Israel's new homes plan clouds US Secretary of State John Kerry's visit

An Israeli planning committee has given the final approval for construction of dozens of new homes in a settlement in East Jerusalem.

The decision could cast a cloud over US Secretary of State John Kerry’s arrival in the region tomorrow. He has been trying to revive peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians, and has urged both sides to avoid provocative action.

In a statement, the Jerusalem municipality said the homes were part of a previously announced project. It said the decision also approved new construction of homes in Arab neighborhoods of the city.