Which country approved the construction of more than 500 new settler homes in East Jerusalem, as widely reported in international news?

Introduction / Context:
This question relates to international politics and the long running conflict in the Middle East. East Jerusalem is a contested area with significant religious and political importance. Announcements of new settler homes in East Jerusalem often attract global media attention. The question asks which country approved the construction of more than 500 such homes.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The location is East Jerusalem.
• The issue involves approval of more than 500 new settler homes.
• The options given are USA, UAE, Israel and United Kingdom.

Concept / Approach:
East Jerusalem was occupied by Israel in the 1967 war and later annexed. Israel considers all of Jerusalem as its capital, while Palestinians claim East Jerusalem as the capital of a future Palestinian state. Therefore, when news refers to the approval of settler homes in East Jerusalem, it refers to decisions taken by Israeli authorities. No other country among the options has direct administrative control over construction there, which makes Israel the correct answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
An alternative check is to think about the political positions of each country. The United States and United Kingdom may comment on or react to such decisions, but they do not issue building approvals in East Jerusalem. The UAE is a Gulf country with no jurisdiction there. Only Israel exercises de facto authority over East Jerusalem and is therefore the only realistic option for approving settler housing projects.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
USA: It is an important diplomatic player in the region but does not administer East Jerusalem.

UAE: It has no territorial or planning authority over Jerusalem.

United Kingdom: It has historical connections to the region before 1948 but no present day control over building approvals there.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates may overthink and wonder whether a foreign ally such as the United States might be involved indirectly. However, in exam questions related to settler homes and building approvals in East Jerusalem, the straightforward answer is Israel. Remembering that east Jerusalem construction approvals are part of Israeli domestic planning decisions helps avoid confusion.

Final Answer:
The country that approved the construction of more than 500 new settler homes in East Jerusalem is Israel.