Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak gave permission to realize ten construction projects in territories of Judea and Samaria, Ha-Aretz newspaper reported.
Only the Ministry of Defense gives permission to construct any buildings in territories of Judea and Samaria since January 2008. Barak's permission includes construction of 363 housing units and sale of 19 lands under building in Ariel, sale of 32 lands under building and construction of trade centre in Beytar-Ilit, as well as construction of 40 housing units and trade centre in Efrat settlement.
Eshkolot settlement in the south of Hevran upland got permission to construct 60 housing units in Sansana quarter. Lands under construction of public buildings were granted in settlements of Modiin-Ilit, Elkana, Kfar Oranim, Kdumim and Beyt Arye.
New plans were confirmed for constructions in Ariel, Modiin-Ilit, Maale Adumim, Efrat, Givat, Zeev, Beyt El, Neve Daniel, Alon Shvut, Ar Adar, as well as in settlements of Kokhav Yakov and Talmon, which are separated from the Israeli territory with security fence.
Construction in settlements of Judea and Samaria is one of stumbling blocks in the Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations. In accordance with Road Map plan, Israel had to freeze construction in green line, whilst settlements got permission to construct new buildings at times, Ha-Aretz newspaper reported.
Under data of the Israeli Settlements Council, which was published in October 2008, number of residents in Judea and Samaria settlements has risen by 15,000 people since the beginning of 2008.