Despite criticism from left-wing elements such as Peace Now, the Ministry emphasized that the construction is in accordance with the government's policy of enabling "natural growth" in the Jewish communities of Yesha. The Yesha Council, which represents the Jewish communities in Judea, Samaria and Gaza, issued a statement saying, "It's about time that Peace Now understands that the settlement enterprise in Yesha is 30 years old, ethical, just, and will never be uprooted."
Interior Minister Avraham Poraz (Shinui), rehashing the same claims against the Jewish build-up of Yesha that have been heard for decades, said, "This is a big mistake, one that will place us at odds with the U.S. and the entire world... We have enough problems as it is with the fence... This is part of Housing Minister Effie Eitam's irresponsible policies. I hope the Prime Minister will restrain him."
Total growth in Israel's population has declined of late, except in Judea, Samaria, and Gaza. The national population grew by 1.9% in 2002, compared with 2.2% in 2001, and 2.6% in 2000. The only area that showed an increase in growth in 2002 was Yesha, which increased by 5.7%. The Jewish communities in Gaza grew by 4.6%.
Interior Minister Avraham Poraz (Shinui), rehashing the same claims against the Jewish build-up of Yesha that have been heard for decades, said, "This is a big mistake, one that will place us at odds with the U.S. and the entire world... We have enough problems as it is with the fence... This is part of Housing Minister Effie Eitam's irresponsible policies. I hope the Prime Minister will restrain him."
Total growth in Israel's population has declined of late, except in Judea, Samaria, and Gaza. The national population grew by 1.9% in 2002, compared with 2.2% in 2001, and 2.6% in 2000. The only area that showed an increase in growth in 2002 was Yesha, which increased by 5.7%. The Jewish communities in Gaza grew by 4.6%.