Jerusalem building doesn’t hurt Arabs, says Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu, chairs the weekly cabinet meeting in his office in Jerusalem on Sunday. Photo: AP.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, says the Jewish building in east Jerusalem does not hurt the city’s Palestinian residents.

Speaking to Israel’s parliament, Mr. Netanyahu said the construction of homes for Jews in the city’s eastern sector “in no way” hurts Palestinians.

Israel drew angry reactions from the U.S. and the Palestinians by announcing the construction of 1,600 units in an east Jerusalem neighbourhood during a visit by U.S. Vice-President Joe Biden, last week.

The decision has sparked the worst feud between Israel and the U.S. in recent memory.

In his speech, Mr. Netanyahu gave no indication he would cancel the project or limit construction in east Jerusalem.