Boim: New Givat Ze'ev construction was approved 8 years ago

Construction and Housing Minister Ze'ev Boim on Monday rebuffed the global criticism over Israel's plans to build some 400 new homes in the Givat Ze'ev settlement, saying that the approval was issued eight years ago. Boim said the authorization was given in accordance with the tenders then issued, but that the project was frozen due to the outbreak of the second intifada in October 2000. He added that the approval was reissued following appeals by construction companies to the court.