Israel has substantiated reports that it plans to increase the number of homes in the disputed West Bank despite Palestinian and international opposition.

The Israeli Defense Ministry verified reports that 3,500 homes will be added to Maale Adumin, already the largest Jewish settlement in the West Bank. Additional homes are also scheduled for other West Bank settlements.

The disclosure comes on the heels of Israeli announcements of planned withdrawals from the Gaza Strip and the gradual handover of security in designated areas to Palestinian Authority.

Saeb Erekat, the Chief Palestinian negotiator, said the expansion plans endangered the growth of Middle East peace.

Under a peace plan sponsored by the United States, the United Nations, the European Union and Russia, Israel had agreed to block new settlers from moving into contested areas Israel captured in 1967's regional conflict.

A U.S. embassy spokesman said the U.S. expects Israel to comply with the peace plan.