TOKYO, January 25, 2017 (WAFA) - The government of Japan deeply deplored the Israeli government’s approval of new settler housing units in illegal East Jerusalem and West Bank settlements, said a statement issued by the Japanese ministry of foreign affairs

The statement read that the Israeli government’s decision came despite repeated calls from the international community, including Japan, to freeze settlement activities.

“Settlement activities are in violation of international law and Japan has repeatedly called upon the Government of Israel to fully freeze settlement activities,” said the statement.

The government of Japan strongly urged the government of Israel "to desist from implementing its construction plans that are undermining the viability of a two-state solution," it concluded.

T.R/M.H