JERUSALEM, Nov 6: Israel on Tuesday published tenders for 1,213 new homes in settlement neighbourhoods of east Jerusalem, drawing fire from Palestinians who said it made them more determined to seek greater UN status.

Israeli watchdog group Peace Now, citing documents published by the Israeli housing ministry, said tenders were offered for 607 units in Pisgat Zeev and 606 units in Ramot, both in east Jerusalem.

It added that 72 units were re-offered in the West Bank settlement of Ariel.

Peace Now, which opposes Israeli settlement in the West Bank and east Jerusalem, slammed the new tenders, noting that they come after Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas reiterated his commitment to peace negotiations in an interview with Israeli television.

“Abbas declared again his strong commitment to the two state solution, and (Israeli Prime Minister) Netanyahu replied with thousands of new units in settlements,” the group said.

It accused the Israeli government of timing the announcement as Americans go to the polls in a closely-watched presidential election.

“It seems that Netanyahu is afraid of the new administration that is being elected today in the US, and he has chosen the day of election to publish the tenders so that there will be the least public attention to his action.”—AFP