02 June 2021; MEMO: Israeli ministers laid the foundation stone on Tuesday for 350 new housing units in the Beit El settlement near the city of Ramallah in the occupied West Bank. All of Israel's settlements are illegal under international law.
The ceremony was attended by Health Minister Yuli Edelstein, Public Security Minister Amir Ohana, Education Minister Yoav Gallant and Regional Cooperation Minister Ofir Akunis. According to Israel's Channel 20, Knesset Speaker Yariv Levin and other members of parliament were also present.
"Settlements and the land of Israel are more important than any person or any political situation," said Edelstein, of the ruling Likud party.
Gallant pointed out that the government has solidified construction in the Beit El settlement, which he described as an "Israeli city where ancestors lived".
The Israeli government approved the construction of the 350 new housing units at the end of last year.
