Speaking following news today of  tenders being issued for over 300 housing units in Beitar Ilit and Karnei Shomron, Foreign Secretary William Hague said: “I am extremely disappointed by news that Israel’s Housing Ministry has published tenders for over 300 housing units in West Bank settlements.  Such announcements that expand illegal West Bank settlements, create further obstacles on the difficult path to peace. What is needed is an urgent return to negotiations on a two state solution.”