Nearly 500,000 Jews live in more than 100 settlements built since 1967 US Vice-President Joe Biden has condemned Israel's approval of 1,600 new homes for ultra-Orthodox Jews in East Jerusalem.Mr Biden, in Israel as part of US attempts to kick-start the peace process, said it was "the kind of step that undermines the trust we need". Palestinian leaders also condemned the controversial move. Israel insisted it was a procedural step with no connection to Mr Biden's visit. The international community considers East Jerusalem occupied territory. Building on occupied land is illegal under international law, but Israel regards East Jerusalem - which it annexed in 1967 - as its territory. In a strongly worded statement, Mr Biden said: "I condemn the decision by the government of Israel to advance planning for new housing units in east Jerusalem. Kim Ghattas, BBC News, Washington It's very rare for the White House to actually condemn Israel for anything, but Israel's action must have been perceived as a snub in Washington.[Read more...]