Israel is continuing with plans to build 1,100 new apartments and houses in Har Homa, Pisgat Zev and other areas in Jerusalem despite Palestinian Authority (PA) opposition. PA leaders have expressed anger over the construction and over Israeli government leaders' threats to escalate attacks on Gaza terrorists and Hamas politicians. "At the end of the day, violence will breed violence. It will add to the complexities," said Saeb Erekat, a senior aide to PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas.
American Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has sided with the PA against more construction in parts of Jerusalem that were restored to the Jewish state in 1967, breaking a former policy of distinguishing between the capital and Judea and Samaria.