JERUSALEM - The Israeli defense ministry has approved the construction of a new settlement in the occupied West Bank, for the first time in more than 10 years, a spokeswoman said Tuesday.
"The ministry has given its green light for construction of 30 houses, in conforming with the promise given by the previous defense minister, Shaul Mofaz, to rehouse residents of some settlements in Gaza who were evacuated in 2005," the spokeswoman told AFP.
The decision marks the first time since 1992 that the Israeli authorities have officially authorized the construction of a new settlement in the occupied West Bank.
Previously the Israeli authorities have approved the expansion of existing settlements.
In 2005, Israel dismantled all 21 settlements in the Gaza Strip and withdrew all troops and settlers from the territory.
12/26/2006 12:06 GMT