Israeli land grab: 380 new settler homes approved

 A Palestinian protester argues with an Israeli soldier during a demonstration against Israeli settlements in the village of Maasara near the West Bank city of Bethlehem, in this Dec. 19, 2014 photo. (Reuters)

JERUSALEM: Israeli authorities gave final approval on Wednesday to the construction of 380 new settler homes in two areas of annexed east Jerusalem, a local official said.
Yosef Pepe Alalu, a Jerusalem city councillor with the opposition Meretz party, said local officials were taking advantage of attention focusing on Israeli elections due in March to expand settlements.
“This kind of decision distances us from any chance of reaching an agreement with the Palestinians,” he said.