Al-Quds city, Sept 6, SPA -- The Israeli government has authorizedconstruction of 117 homes in one of the West Bank's largestsettlements and approved preliminary plans for an additional 3,000 housing units there, officials said Tuesday, despite repeated U.S. appeals that Israel freeze settlement expansion. The latest housing plans threatened to raise tensions withthe United States just days before Prime Minister ArielSharon is to travel to New York to address the U.N. GeneralAssembly. Sharon is expected to meet with U.S. PresidentGeorge W. Bush and other global leaders during the trip. The plans also drew swift condemnations from thePalestinians, who claim all of the West Bank for part of afuture independent state, The Associated Press reported.--SPA1258 Local Time 0958 GMT www.spa.gov.sa/287420