Israeli government gives settler minister control over West Bank settlement planning

By ILAN BEN ZION
Associated Press

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel’s government has granted a pro-settlement firebrand authority over planning in the occupied West Bank and lifted red tape on the settlement housing approval process. The changes made on Sunday make it easier for Israel to expand its settlements on land the Palestinians seek as the heartland of their future state, at a time when hopes for peace are more distant than ever. The measure was approved by the Cabinet as U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Barbara Leaf, who is in charge of Middle East affairs, was set to meet with Israeli and Palestinian leaders during a weeklong visit to the region. The decision removes the need for approvals from the political echelon throughout the planning process.