After a “long delay fueled by diplomatic concerns”, as stated by Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom, Israeli government has allowed the construction of housing units in the settlement of Maaleh Adumim, near the Holy city of Jerusalem. The first 470 units to be constructed will be followed by additional 20,000, a project with a total budget of $756 million. Housing units will be accompanied by “public spaces” like synagogues, schools, parks, community centers and sports arenas. According to international law, Maaleh Adumim is an illegal settlement, as it is located in the occupied Palestinian West Bank. However, Israeli Construction and Housing Minister Yoav Gallant stated that this area was of “historic, strategic and national importance” for Israel.