A settlement zone in Eastern Jerusalem in the occupied West Bank. (Photo: AFP/VNA)

The Isreali government will approve or advance plans for 800 homes in several different settlements, including in one settlement it has yet to formally recognize. 

The announcement came with Mr. Netanyahu courting right-wing votes for an upcoming election and hurrying to offer his inducements before his close ally President Trump leaves office.

Recent polls suggest that Netanyahu will need to expand his support among right-wing and religious factions to fight off his challenger and retain his post as Israel’s longest-serving prime minister.