Israel approved on Wednesday new construction in some Jewish settlements in the West Bank in first such move okayed by the government of Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.
The subcommittee on settlements in the Civil Administration approved limited construction plans in settlements of Elkana, Mishor Adumim, Karnei Shomron, Kfar Adumim and Yitzhar.
Among constructions that were approved are a school for children with special needs in Elkana, a shopping mall in Mishor Adumim and yeshivas and synagogues in Karnei Shomron and Kfar Adumim.
In addition, a small number of housing units were also approved for construction in Yitzhar. A total of 31 construction units were approved during the meeting.
The subcommittee usually approves individual construction plans on a small scale.
Large-scale and extensive construction projects are usually approved by the Higher Planning Council of the Civil Administration. The council normally convenes every three months but has not convened since January of this year.
No date has been set for the Higher Planning Council to meet in the near future.
The Yesha Council, an umbrella organization of municipal councils of Jewish settlements in the West Bank, said in response the Higher Planning Council should be convened immediately to approve large-scale housing projects in the area.
"We have been waiting for six months for approval of housing plans and that has not happened yet," said the statement.