Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday approved the "immediate" construction of 300 settler homes in the occupied West Bank as his government came under pressure from right-wing Jewish groups."After consultations in the prime minister's office, the immediate construction of 300 homes in Beit El has been authorised," a statement from Netanyahu's office said, adding that planning for another 504 homes in annexed East Jerusalem had also been approved.Meanwhile, Israel reportedly approved 1,065 housing units last week on the occupied territories, according to the Israeli settlement watchdog group Peace Now.Germany criticized Israel on Tuesday for approving the construction of more than a thousand settlements in occupied West Bank recently, terming the move a threat to the two-state solution."The construction of settlements in occupied territories violates international law. This also hinders efforts to revive the peace process and threatens the basis of a two-state solution," German Foreign Ministry said Tuesday in a rare statement that criticized its close ally Israel.German Foreign Ministry expressed "grave concern" over the Israeli move and urged authorities to refrain from unilateral steps that could endanger peace efforts."Precisely now both sides are urgently called to build trust and refrain from unilateral and provocative actions. We warn that such steps would hamper chances for the resumption of peace negotiations," the statement said.Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has formed a new coalition government with right-wing and ultra orthodox parties in May, after his Likud party fell short of winning majority in Knesset polls held in mid-March. Netanyahu's coalition partner Jewish Home party advocates new settlements in occupied territories.