Jerusalem ( CNN ) -- Israel canceled controversial plans to construct thousands of new homes in East Jerusalem and on the West Bank , hours after the announcement sparked strong criticism . Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked Construction and Housing Minister Uri Ariel to reconsider long-term plans to build more than 20,000 units , according to a press release from Netanyahu 's office . `` This step does not contribute to settlement , '' the statement said . `` On the contrary , there is damage here for settlement . '' `` This is a meaningless step -- legally and in practice -- and an action that creates an unnecessary confrontation with the international community at a time when we are making an effort to persuade elements in the international community to reach a better deal with Iran . At this time , the attention of the international community must not be diverted from the main effort -- preventing Iran from receiving an agreement that will allow it to continue its military nuclear program . As a member of the government , action must be coordinated and have the benefit of forethought . '' Ariel said he would accede to Netanyahu 's request , according to the press release . Lior Amihai of the activist group Peace Now said the Housing Ministry issued 23,786 planning tenders two weeks ago ; the tenders are issued to companies to draw plans to be used in possible future construction . The construction was to have taken place in a number of years , after the plans went through various stages of government approval , he said . Lara Friedman , director of policy and government relations at Americans for Peace Now in Washington , said the plans had included construction in areas deep in the West Bank , east of the barrier that separates Israel from the West Bank . `` This is planning for areas that can not possibly remain part of Israel or become part of Israel under any negotiated agreement , '' Friedman said before Netanyahu 's announcement . `` It 's impossible . '' A member of the PLO executive committee also said earlier that Netanyahu appeared to be intent on scuttling any hope for a solution in peace talks recently relaunched by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry . `` Obviously , Netanyahu is using settlements as a weapon of mass destruction to destroy the chances of peace and torpedo the negotiations , '' Hanan Ashrawi said . `` It is an affront to the whole world and particularly to John Kerry and a deliberate violation to international law . '' There are currently more than 300,000 settlers in the West Bank , according to the Israeli Bureau of Statistics , and about 200,000 in East Jerusalem . CNN 's Michael Schwartz and Kareem Khadder reported from Jerusalem . CNN 's Tom Watkins reported and wrote from Atlanta .
Israel cancels plans for thousands more settlements . PM Netanyahu : `` This is a meaningless step - legally and in practice '' 23,000 settlement homes were planned for East Jerusalem , West Bank .