Israel approves hundreds of homes in east Jerusalem
Israel is pushing ahead with a Jerusalem construction project that had caused a rift between Israel and the United States.
Hagit Ofran of the settlement watchdog Peace Now said 900 hundred homes have been approved in Ramat Shlomo.
Israel first announced the plans in 2010 during Vice President Joe Biden's visit to Israel, sparking a diplomatic spat with Washington.
White House spokesman Jeff Rathke on Thursday called it "damaging and inconsistent" with resolving the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians with a two state solution.
