Israel announced plans on Monday to build another 294 homes in two Jewish settlements in the West Bank, and the Palestinians said the move hardened their resolve to seek statehood recognition from the United Nations.
Israel's Housing Ministry linked the new construction to a nation-wide plan to lower housing prices, which have skyrocketed in recent years, and appease protesters demanding affordable living space.
The tenders seek builders for the projected expansion of the Beitar Illit enclave outside Jerusalem and Karnei Shomron, a settlement on the outskirts of the West Bank's largest Palestinian city of Nablus.