JERUSALEM, Dec 26: Israel announced plans on Monday to expand two Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank despite a ban on such construction in a US-led plan for peace with the Palestinians.

Israel’s housing ministry published tenders inviting contractor bids to develop 150 plots for single family homes in Beitar Illit settlement. A further 78 plots were offered in Givat Zayit, part of the settlement of Efrat.

The US-led roadmap requires a freeze on expansion of settlements in occupied land where Palestinians seek statehood. The Palestinians have also failed to meet their own obligation under the plan to crack down on militant groups.—Reuters