August 8, 2013

In the West Bank, the IDF patrols in Hebron and 1 village nearby at night. (PCHR 8/15)

Israel gives final approval to 1,086 settlement homes in the West Bank, including 920 new units, and 166 being given retroactive legalization, spread over 7 settlements. Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erakat writes to U.S. Secy. of State John Kerry and complains that settlement construction is making it unlikely that renewed talks can be fruitful, but does not threaten to pull out of the negotiations. U.S. State Dept. spokesperson Jen Psaki tells a press briefing in Washington that the Obama administration is making its concerns known to Israeli PM Netanyahu. (AFP, HA, JTA, REU 8/8)