Israel this week invited tenders for construction of 77 new homes in Jewish sections of eastern Jerusalem.

Citing Peace Now, an Israeli group opposed to settlements in the West Bank and eastern Jerusalem, i24 News reported that the tenders for Pisgat Zeev and Neve Yaakov on April 27 were the first issued since the March 17 election.

In March, the government also approved construction of 2,200 homes and authorized hundreds of previously illegal dwellings for Palestinians in Arab sections of eastern Jerusalem, according to Yediot Aharonot. Right-wing activists opposed the decision. — jta