The Israeli government has approved plans to build 5,600 West Bank housing units, including 1,000 near the West Bank settlement of Eli, where 4 Israelis were killed in a shooting last week.

Extremists who caused widespread damage in a wave of attacks on Palestinian towns will be punished, said Gallant, adding that reducing tensions in the West Bank benefits both sides, and Israeli forces will be deployed to locations as required.

Al-Sheikh's office provided no comment on the call.