Housing Minister Zev Boim (Kadima) Wednesday announced that the government is issuing tenders for 286 new housing units in the Hareidi religious city of Beitar Illit, east of Gush Etzion. The construction is "aimed at providing a solution to the urgent needs of the natural growth in Jerusalem and the lack of housing solutions for young couples in the ultra-Orthodox community," according to a ministry statement.

The announcement defies a call by the Quartet (United States, United Nations, Russia and the European Union-EU) that Israel freeze all construction in Judea and Samaria. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert previously agreed to do so but has been pressured by the Shas religious party to allow the previously planned building in Beitar Illit.