Israel has approved the construction of more than 3,000 housing units in West Bank settlements, as the country's army prepares to evacuate the unauthorized settlement of Amona, local media reported late Tuesday. The homes, including 2,000 set for immediate construction, were approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman, the Haaretz newspaper reported, citing a statement from Lieberman's office. Earlier Tuesday, the Israeli army issued an eviction notice to residents of Amona as it prepares to demolish their homes. The order posted at the site on Tuesday gave the residents - some 40 families, including more than 200 children - 48 hours to leave their homes, according to media reports. Israel's top court had ruled in 2014 that Amona, built on land belonging to Palestinians from surrounding West Bank towns, must be vacated by February 8. All settlements in the Israeli-occupied territories are considered illegal under international law, though Israel disagrees. Tuesday's announcement was another indication that Israel has become emboldened by the new US administration, which is widely perceived as being friendlier to settlement activity than the Obama administration.
