News
Sharp drop in settlement construction in 2010
Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) reported yesterday that there had been a drop of 72% in the number of houses starting to be built in the West Bank in 2010, compared to 2009. The CBS number shows 541 housing starts last year, which is the lowest annual number in more than 20 years. These statistics are the first official numbers to be released since the 10 month construction freeze expired on 26 September last year. The report also noted a 28% drop in the number of finished homes in 2010, 1,492 homes compared to 2,071 in 2009.
The report is set to have political implications in light of the international community’s efforts to halt settlement construction in the West Bank. The Palestinians are calling for a complete halt to settlement construction as a condition for them to return to direct talks with Israel.