Construction in Judea and Samaria
Construction in Judea and SamariaFlash 90

A senior US administration official on Sunday criticized the decision of Israel’s security cabinet to authorize nine communities in Judea and Samaria, a move which comes as a response to recent terrorism in Jerusalem.

"Our position on these matters has been clear and consistent. We strongly oppose expansion of settlements, and we’re deeply concerned by reports about a process to legalize outposts that are illegal under Israeli law," the senior official told Haaretz.

"We are seeking more information from the Israeli government on what has actually been decided," added the official.

The cabinet had earlier on Sunday decided unanimously to authorize nine communities in Judea and Samaria, which have existed for many years and some of which have existed for decades.

The communities that will be authorized are:
1. Avigil
2. Bet Hogla
3. Givat Harel / Haroeh
4. Givat Arnon
5. Mitzpe Yehuda
6. Malachei Hashalom
7. Ashael
8. Sde Boaz
9. Shaharit

The Civil Administration Higher Planning Committee will be convened in the coming days to approve the construction of new residential units in existing communities in Judea and Samaria.

The decision followed Friday’s deadly ramming attack in the Ramot neighborhood of Jerusalem, in which three people were murdered, including two young boys aged 6 and 8.

Early Sunday morning, Israel Police forces from the Jerusalem District and Border Police officers, with the assistance of IDF soldiers, operated in the At-Tur neighborhood in eastern Jerusalem to seal the home of the family of terrorist Hussein Karaka, who carried out the ramming attack in Ramot.

The operational activity ended without unusual incidents.