How many new apartments are included in the construction approved? [originaltext

The Israeli Defense Ministry confirmed Tuesday that the construction of 117 new apartments has been approved by, Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz. A statement said the prime minister and the defense minister have ordered that construction move ahead.
    Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s office confirmed the construction plan’s. Deputy defense minister, Zeev Boim, said during a tour of Ariel on Monday that some 3,000 homes are to be built in Ariel.
    Mr. Sharon has vowed that settlement growth will continue in the West Bank—although Israel is required to freeze all settlement activity under terms of the internationally backed "road map" peace plan.
    Israeli Education Minister Limor Livnat told Israel Radio Tuesday that settlement construction in the West Bank should continue.
    Palestinians angrily denounced the plans for the new construction. Chief Negotiator Saeb Erekat said it was creating 3,000 new obstacles to peace.