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Israeli minister plans Arab city | Israeli minister plans Arab city |
(about 18 hours later) | |
Israel's Interior Minister Meir Sheetrit says he wants to build a new Arab city in the north of Israel. | Israel's Interior Minister Meir Sheetrit says he wants to build a new Arab city in the north of Israel. |
It would be the first city built for Israel's Arabs - who make up nearly 20% of the population - since the country was founded in 1948. | It would be the first city built for Israel's Arabs - who make up nearly 20% of the population - since the country was founded in 1948. |
Mr Sheetrit said he wanted the plans to be completed and submitted for government approval by the year's end. | Mr Sheetrit said he wanted the plans to be completed and submitted for government approval by the year's end. |
Meanwhile, Israel announced plans for 1,100 new homes in East Jerusalem - a decision condemned by Palestinians. | Meanwhile, Israel announced plans for 1,100 new homes in East Jerusalem - a decision condemned by Palestinians. |
"Once again we ask the Israeli government to give peace a chance by stopping all settlement activity," Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said. | "Once again we ask the Israeli government to give peace a chance by stopping all settlement activity," Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat said. |
Israeli settlements in the occupied territories are deemed illegal under international law. | Israeli settlements in the occupied territories are deemed illegal under international law. |
'Modern city' | 'Modern city' |
Mr Sheetrit announced plans for a new Arab city during a visit to the northern Arab town of Umm al-Fahm. | Mr Sheetrit announced plans for a new Arab city during a visit to the northern Arab town of Umm al-Fahm. |
"I aspire to create a new Arab city in the Galilee and I am working on the planning for the project," the interior minister said. | "I aspire to create a new Arab city in the Galilee and I am working on the planning for the project," the interior minister said. |
"It will be a modern city, where young couples can afford to buy property and live just like in any other city in the world," he said. | "It will be a modern city, where young couples can afford to buy property and live just like in any other city in the world," he said. |
Israel is home to about 1.2 million Arabs, who are the descendants of Palestinians who remained there after the state was formed in 1948. | Israel is home to about 1.2 million Arabs, who are the descendants of Palestinians who remained there after the state was formed in 1948. |
Mr Sheetrit's announcement was welcomed by Samir Hussein, the Arab head of the local council in Dir Hanna, in the Galilee. | Mr Sheetrit's announcement was welcomed by Samir Hussein, the Arab head of the local council in Dir Hanna, in the Galilee. |
"I believe him and this sounds serious. This is a tremendously important step," he told Israeli news outlet Ynetnews.com. | "I believe him and this sounds serious. This is a tremendously important step," he told Israeli news outlet Ynetnews.com. |
"I haven't heard of such a plan, but I'm sure it is feasible and that there are many places in the Galilee where such a city can be built quickly," he added. | "I haven't heard of such a plan, but I'm sure it is feasible and that there are many places in the Galilee where such a city can be built quickly," he added. |
Mr Sheetrit was speaking only two days after hitting the headlines for his outspoken response to a rocket attack from Gaza that badly injured a young Israeli boy. | Mr Sheetrit was speaking only two days after hitting the headlines for his outspoken response to a rocket attack from Gaza that badly injured a young Israeli boy. |
He told fellow cabinet members they should pick a neighbourhood in Gaza, give the inhabitants 24 hours to leave and "wipe it out". |
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