In a move likely timed to coincide with Netanyahu’s visit to the United States, the Israeli government confirmed the authorization of more than 1,500 new homes on two settlements around East Jerusalem. Outside the White House, Palestinian solidarity activists gathered to call for an end to the occupation.

Protester: “What we’re after is to liberate and support the Palestinians. They’ve been oppressed and occupied and colonized for over 40 years, and Israel needs to let them go, needs to free up the West Bank and Gaza and East Jerusalem.”