The Israeli government has authorized a new round of settlement construction in the occupied West Bank. More than 550 homes are planned for three settlements surrounding Jerusalem, whose borders Israel has extended far beyond the internationally recognized Green Line. The move was announced as Israel demolished three Palestinian homes in East Jerusalem. The news follows a public spat earlier this week between the Israeli government and Secretary of State John Kerry after Kerry said Israel will face intensified global boycotts if it fails to make peace with the Palestinians.