29 july 2015
In victory to settlers, prime minister okays building of homes promised after the evacuation of Givat Ulpana in 2012; Sa-Nur squatters agree to leave, if commission is formed to examine return to settlement.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu green lighted on Wednesday the construction of 300 housing units in Beit El, mere hours after destruction began of the Draynoff buildings that have been at the center of a dispute between settlers and the Israeli government and High Court of Justice.
Hundreds of settlers gathered on Monday night outside the two buildings, which the High Court of Justice ruled were illegally built on private Palestinian land, and remained there throughout Tuesday and into Wednesday morning. The protesters, egged on by settler leaders and right-wing politicians, clashed with Border Police and Police forces sent to scene to prevent them from entering the two buildings. On Wednesday morning, the demolition of the two buildings began following a ruling by the High Court of Justice.
The housing units that were approved on Wednesday were promised by the Israeli government three years ago following the evacuation of the Givat Ulpana neighborhood in the settlement. In June 2012, settler leaders agreed to evacuate five buildings in the neighborhood - also built on private Palestinian land - in exchange for 300 new housing units to be built in another part of the settlement. Since then, the construction of these housing units has been stuck, awaiting the approval of the political echelons.
The prime minister also approved hundreds of housing units in Jerusalem neighborhoods beyond the Green Line, including the construction and marketing of 91 housing units and the planning of 24 homes in Pisgat Ze'ev, as well as the planning of 300 housing units in Ramot, 70 in Gilo and 19 in Har Homa. The 91 homes in Pisgat Ze'ev are also part of a past decision that was awaiting a green light from the political echelons.
Education Minister Naftali Bennett (Bayit Yehudi) called the decision "a worthy, right, Zionist response," asserting that "the High Court's job is to judge, the government's job is to build." Earlier, ministers from the hard-line Bayit Yehudi party protested the destruction of the Draynoff buildings, with Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel saying, "I turned to the prime minister and firmly demanded that he immediately approve the construction of the 300 housing units that were being delayed. I informed the prime minister I expected to receive a positive answer within an hour."
Bennett himself has also demanded Netanyahu follow through on his promise to build the 300 housing units in Beit El. Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked, also of Bayit Yehudi, said following the court's decision to demolish the homes that "We are living under the rule of law, and we must accept the ruling of the High Court and with that harsh verdict. The homes in Beit El will be destroyed, and immediately rebuilt after. This is the Jewish way. We don't lose hope."
The Palestinian Authority condemned the decision to build the 300 homes in Beit El. A spokesman for President Mahmoud Abbas, Nabil Abu Rudeineh, said that Israel's settlement policy is "destructive to all the efforts being put forward since September by the United States and the European Union in an attempt to find an way out of the current crisis."
Abu Rudeineh called on the international community to immediately intervene in order to stop "this dangerous Israeli policy that would result in a further deterioration of the situation, which conveys an Israeli message to the international community that Israel is not interested in peace or any efforts aimed at creating the appropriate environment conducive to peace."
Netanyahu's decision to give the go-ahead for the 300 new units in Beit El followed a tensed day in the settlement. More violence erupted in wake of the court's decision as tractors arrived in Beit El to tear down the Draynoff buildings. Rioters lit fires, pelted security forces with stones and hurled tables and chairs at the Border Police troops who were standing between them and the buildings. Police used crowd dispersal measures, including water cannons. Ten of the rioters were arrested, and at least six were lightly hurt.
Sa-Nur families raise their own proposal
Not far from the rioting in Beit El, settler families who have been squatting in the ruins of the settlement of Sa-Nur, which was evacuated as part of the disengagement in 2005, agreed on Wednesday afternoon to willingly evacuate on the condition a state-appointed inquiry commission examines the possibility of re-establishing the settlement.
The squatters in Sa-Nur, who entered the evacuated settlement on Monday night, ignored an ultimatum set for them on Tuesday to leave the area by 2pm.
In an effort to avoid a repeat of the forced evacuation of 2005, the settlers decided to send a letter to Prime Minister Netanyahu, in which they pleaded with him: "Please spare us, our children, and the entire people of Israel, the unnecessary sights of destruction and eviction."
The settlers were also concerned with the fact security forces closed off all access to the area, raising the fear they would have to stay in the settlement for days without food or water in the rising summer temperatures.
"A decade ago we were banished from Sa-Nur and the settlements of the northern Samaria, and with God's will we returned home two days ago," the settlers wrote. "Our stay here over the past two days proves that it is possible (to return)."
They demanded the prime minister form an impartial commission which will examine the security and legal aspects of re-populating the evacuated settlements in the northern Samaria. "We are certain that any objective commission will determine that there was no reason that after a decade we cannot return home," they wrote.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu green lighted on Wednesday the construction of 300 housing units in Beit El, mere hours after destruction began of the Draynoff buildings that have been at the center of a dispute between settlers and the Israeli government and High Court of Justice.
Hundreds of settlers gathered on Monday night outside the two buildings, which the High Court of Justice ruled were illegally built on private Palestinian land, and remained there throughout Tuesday and into Wednesday morning. The protesters, egged on by settler leaders and right-wing politicians, clashed with Border Police and Police forces sent to scene to prevent them from entering the two buildings. On Wednesday morning, the demolition of the two buildings began following a ruling by the High Court of Justice.
The housing units that were approved on Wednesday were promised by the Israeli government three years ago following the evacuation of the Givat Ulpana neighborhood in the settlement. In June 2012, settler leaders agreed to evacuate five buildings in the neighborhood - also built on private Palestinian land - in exchange for 300 new housing units to be built in another part of the settlement. Since then, the construction of these housing units has been stuck, awaiting the approval of the political echelons.
The prime minister also approved hundreds of housing units in Jerusalem neighborhoods beyond the Green Line, including the construction and marketing of 91 housing units and the planning of 24 homes in Pisgat Ze'ev, as well as the planning of 300 housing units in Ramot, 70 in Gilo and 19 in Har Homa. The 91 homes in Pisgat Ze'ev are also part of a past decision that was awaiting a green light from the political echelons.
Education Minister Naftali Bennett (Bayit Yehudi) called the decision "a worthy, right, Zionist response," asserting that "the High Court's job is to judge, the government's job is to build." Earlier, ministers from the hard-line Bayit Yehudi party protested the destruction of the Draynoff buildings, with Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel saying, "I turned to the prime minister and firmly demanded that he immediately approve the construction of the 300 housing units that were being delayed. I informed the prime minister I expected to receive a positive answer within an hour."
Bennett himself has also demanded Netanyahu follow through on his promise to build the 300 housing units in Beit El. Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked, also of Bayit Yehudi, said following the court's decision to demolish the homes that "We are living under the rule of law, and we must accept the ruling of the High Court and with that harsh verdict. The homes in Beit El will be destroyed, and immediately rebuilt after. This is the Jewish way. We don't lose hope."
The Palestinian Authority condemned the decision to build the 300 homes in Beit El. A spokesman for President Mahmoud Abbas, Nabil Abu Rudeineh, said that Israel's settlement policy is "destructive to all the efforts being put forward since September by the United States and the European Union in an attempt to find an way out of the current crisis."
Abu Rudeineh called on the international community to immediately intervene in order to stop "this dangerous Israeli policy that would result in a further deterioration of the situation, which conveys an Israeli message to the international community that Israel is not interested in peace or any efforts aimed at creating the appropriate environment conducive to peace."
Netanyahu's decision to give the go-ahead for the 300 new units in Beit El followed a tensed day in the settlement. More violence erupted in wake of the court's decision as tractors arrived in Beit El to tear down the Draynoff buildings. Rioters lit fires, pelted security forces with stones and hurled tables and chairs at the Border Police troops who were standing between them and the buildings. Police used crowd dispersal measures, including water cannons. Ten of the rioters were arrested, and at least six were lightly hurt.
Sa-Nur families raise their own proposal
Not far from the rioting in Beit El, settler families who have been squatting in the ruins of the settlement of Sa-Nur, which was evacuated as part of the disengagement in 2005, agreed on Wednesday afternoon to willingly evacuate on the condition a state-appointed inquiry commission examines the possibility of re-establishing the settlement.
The squatters in Sa-Nur, who entered the evacuated settlement on Monday night, ignored an ultimatum set for them on Tuesday to leave the area by 2pm.
In an effort to avoid a repeat of the forced evacuation of 2005, the settlers decided to send a letter to Prime Minister Netanyahu, in which they pleaded with him: "Please spare us, our children, and the entire people of Israel, the unnecessary sights of destruction and eviction."
The settlers were also concerned with the fact security forces closed off all access to the area, raising the fear they would have to stay in the settlement for days without food or water in the rising summer temperatures.
"A decade ago we were banished from Sa-Nur and the settlements of the northern Samaria, and with God's will we returned home two days ago," the settlers wrote. "Our stay here over the past two days proves that it is possible (to return)."
They demanded the prime minister form an impartial commission which will examine the security and legal aspects of re-populating the evacuated settlements in the northern Samaria. "We are certain that any objective commission will determine that there was no reason that after a decade we cannot return home," they wrote.
A picture taken from the illegal Israeli settlement of Elazar on May 31, 2015 shows a general view of the illegal settlement of Beitar Illit (background) built in front of the Palestinian occupied West bank village of Nahalin (foreground)
Germany has censured Israel's plans to construct more illegal settler units in the occupied West Bank as violating international law.
The German Foreign Ministry, in a statement released on Tuesday, said Israel’s plans to build more than 1,000 new housing units on Palestinian territories scuttle the chances for the resumption of the Palestinian-Israeli talks and a possible deal between the two sides.
“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,” the statement read.
It added, “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.”
Israeli settlement watchdog group Peace Now reported on July 23 that the Israeli military approved 541 new housing units, retroactively legalized 228 existing housing units, and approved infrastructure for a plan that includes 296 housing units in the occupied West Bank the previous day.
There are reports that the military also approved the construction of several industrial and non-industrial structures in the occupied lands.
More than half a million Israelis live in over 120 settlements built since Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territories of the West Bank in 1967.
Germany has censured Israel's plans to construct more illegal settler units in the occupied West Bank as violating international law.
The German Foreign Ministry, in a statement released on Tuesday, said Israel’s plans to build more than 1,000 new housing units on Palestinian territories scuttle the chances for the resumption of the Palestinian-Israeli talks and a possible deal between the two sides.
“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,” the statement read.
It added, “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.”
Israeli settlement watchdog group Peace Now reported on July 23 that the Israeli military approved 541 new housing units, retroactively legalized 228 existing housing units, and approved infrastructure for a plan that includes 296 housing units in the occupied West Bank the previous day.
There are reports that the military also approved the construction of several industrial and non-industrial structures in the occupied lands.
More than half a million Israelis live in over 120 settlements built since Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territories of the West Bank in 1967.
British Minister for the Middle East Tobias Ellwood expressed Tuesday deep concern about Israeli plans to expand "illegal settlements", and called on the Israeli government to refrain from such steps.
The UK is deeply concerned by reports that planning for 1,065 settlement units is being advanced, including possible retrospective approval of buildings built without permits or on private Palestinian land, the statement said.
"The UK’s position on Israeli settlements is clear: they are illegal under international law and undermine the prospects for a two-state solution."
The British Official called on the Israeli government to discard these plans and refrain from such steps, considering "every settlement announcement has a negative impact on prospects for peace and a negotiated solution."
Hebrew media reports earlier revealed an Israeli plan to build 1,065 settlement units in the West Bank and Jerusalem.
The UK is deeply concerned by reports that planning for 1,065 settlement units is being advanced, including possible retrospective approval of buildings built without permits or on private Palestinian land, the statement said.
"The UK’s position on Israeli settlements is clear: they are illegal under international law and undermine the prospects for a two-state solution."
The British Official called on the Israeli government to discard these plans and refrain from such steps, considering "every settlement announcement has a negative impact on prospects for peace and a negotiated solution."
Hebrew media reports earlier revealed an Israeli plan to build 1,065 settlement units in the West Bank and Jerusalem.
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Tractors enter West Bank settlement after High Court upholds previous decision to destroy Draynoff buildings; hundreds clash with police overnight; settlers return to evacuated town of Sa-Nur.
Destruction began Wednesday after the High Court upheld a decision to tear down two controversial housing structures known as the Draynoff buildings in the West Bank settlement of Beit El after nearly two days of violence between settlers and police at the scene. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced in wake of the riots and destruction that 300 new housing units would be approved for Beit El along with new construction in Jerusalem. |
More violence erupted in wake of the court's decision as tractors arrived in Beit El to tear down the Draynoff buildings and water cannons fired on rioters in the streets.
Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked pointed out that despite the court's decision, the Draynoff buildings will most likely be reconstructed shortly after being torn down. Land permits from the structures were only acquired after their construction, making them illegal according to the court's ruling. Subsequently acquired land permits mean makes reconstruction likely.
Clashes continued periodically throughout the night on Tuesday, as right-wing activists pelted police with stones and chairs. Police responded with smoke grenades and arrested at least nine people. Rioters tried to break into the Draynoff buildings repeatedly, momentarily breaking through police barricades, but were pushed back by Border Police.
The head of the regional council encouraged the protesters to break into the buildings, claiming that the government intended to tear down the buildings Tuesday night. "If the buildings go down, the government should too," he said.
Violent encounters first began late Monday night when activists barricaded themselves in the Draynoff buildings and resisted police attempts to remove them.
Arrests were made and the rest of those inside the buildings were removed using riot dispersal measures. The activists claimed that security forces used tear gas inside the buildings in an attempt to remove those present.
Education Minister Naftali Bennett spoke to the crowd in Beit El Tuesday afternoon, decrying the government's use of the military in the settlement overnight on Monday.
"In the early morning hours I spoke to the prime minister. I demanded that during the day, the government of Israel issue an official message to the High Court that it opposes the destruction of homes, and we're following up on that now," Bennett said.
Angry settlers in the crowd called on Bennett to quit the government, a move that would lead to either a new coalition or new elections.
The state later issued its official response to the High Court of Justice, saying that the court should accept the appeal, and provide an injunction that would prevent the razing of the contested structures.
Among the other politicians who arrived to the settlement on Tuesday were Ministers Ze'ev Elkin and Yariv Levin (Likud) and Uri Ariel (Bayit Yehudi), MKs Moti Yogev (Bayit Yehudi) and Oren Hazan (Likud) and former minister Eli Yishai.
The area has been designated as a closed military zone until August 1, and the Border Police occupied the Draynoff buildings in order to prevent the violent protesters from occupying the structures again.
Return to Sa-Nur
Meanwhile, some 250 people, including dozens of families that were removed from the Sa-Nur settlement in the West Bank during the disengagement in 2005, returned to the village Monday night without approval from Israeli security forces.
The settlers remained in Sa-Nur into Wednesday morning, despite an ultimatum from security forces that the settlement would be evacuated by force if the activists did not leave of their own free will by 2pm on Tuesday.
Government officials joined the group, including Bayit Yehudi MK Bezalel Smotrich and former MK Professor Aryeh Eldad. They entered the fort-like structure that remains standing in Sa-Nur with the announced intention of permanently rebuiding the settlement.
"Ten years after the disengagement, it's about time to fix things. And that begins here, in northern Samaria," said Smotrich in a press release. "Families have begun settling into the rooms of the fort with the intention of staying for some time. We don't intend to move from here."
Many families came to the settlement early Tuesday morning in response to the violent events of Monday night in Beit El, demanding that security forces and the government allow the renewal of settlement in the place.
Children who arrived at the settlement drew on the walls of the structure and wrote "Death to Arabs," "Greater Israel," "Sa-Nur = Redemption," among other things.
Political storm
The events in Beit El also led to a political storm Tuesday, with leaders on the political right, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, claiming they were doing their utmost to strengthen settlements and prevent the destruction of the Draynoff buildings.
While making similar comments himself, Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon's decision to send troops into the settlement on Monday night drew criticism from his political partners from Bayit Yehudi and former foreign minister Avigdor Lieberman who called for Ya'alon's resignation.
From the other side of the settlement debate, Yesh Atid Chairman Yair Lapid called for the full support of IDF troops on the ground in Beit El.
Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked pointed out that despite the court's decision, the Draynoff buildings will most likely be reconstructed shortly after being torn down. Land permits from the structures were only acquired after their construction, making them illegal according to the court's ruling. Subsequently acquired land permits mean makes reconstruction likely.
Clashes continued periodically throughout the night on Tuesday, as right-wing activists pelted police with stones and chairs. Police responded with smoke grenades and arrested at least nine people. Rioters tried to break into the Draynoff buildings repeatedly, momentarily breaking through police barricades, but were pushed back by Border Police.
The head of the regional council encouraged the protesters to break into the buildings, claiming that the government intended to tear down the buildings Tuesday night. "If the buildings go down, the government should too," he said.
Violent encounters first began late Monday night when activists barricaded themselves in the Draynoff buildings and resisted police attempts to remove them.
Arrests were made and the rest of those inside the buildings were removed using riot dispersal measures. The activists claimed that security forces used tear gas inside the buildings in an attempt to remove those present.
Education Minister Naftali Bennett spoke to the crowd in Beit El Tuesday afternoon, decrying the government's use of the military in the settlement overnight on Monday.
"In the early morning hours I spoke to the prime minister. I demanded that during the day, the government of Israel issue an official message to the High Court that it opposes the destruction of homes, and we're following up on that now," Bennett said.
Angry settlers in the crowd called on Bennett to quit the government, a move that would lead to either a new coalition or new elections.
The state later issued its official response to the High Court of Justice, saying that the court should accept the appeal, and provide an injunction that would prevent the razing of the contested structures.
Among the other politicians who arrived to the settlement on Tuesday were Ministers Ze'ev Elkin and Yariv Levin (Likud) and Uri Ariel (Bayit Yehudi), MKs Moti Yogev (Bayit Yehudi) and Oren Hazan (Likud) and former minister Eli Yishai.
The area has been designated as a closed military zone until August 1, and the Border Police occupied the Draynoff buildings in order to prevent the violent protesters from occupying the structures again.
Return to Sa-Nur
Meanwhile, some 250 people, including dozens of families that were removed from the Sa-Nur settlement in the West Bank during the disengagement in 2005, returned to the village Monday night without approval from Israeli security forces.
The settlers remained in Sa-Nur into Wednesday morning, despite an ultimatum from security forces that the settlement would be evacuated by force if the activists did not leave of their own free will by 2pm on Tuesday.
Government officials joined the group, including Bayit Yehudi MK Bezalel Smotrich and former MK Professor Aryeh Eldad. They entered the fort-like structure that remains standing in Sa-Nur with the announced intention of permanently rebuiding the settlement.
"Ten years after the disengagement, it's about time to fix things. And that begins here, in northern Samaria," said Smotrich in a press release. "Families have begun settling into the rooms of the fort with the intention of staying for some time. We don't intend to move from here."
Many families came to the settlement early Tuesday morning in response to the violent events of Monday night in Beit El, demanding that security forces and the government allow the renewal of settlement in the place.
Children who arrived at the settlement drew on the walls of the structure and wrote "Death to Arabs," "Greater Israel," "Sa-Nur = Redemption," among other things.
Political storm
The events in Beit El also led to a political storm Tuesday, with leaders on the political right, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, claiming they were doing their utmost to strengthen settlements and prevent the destruction of the Draynoff buildings.
While making similar comments himself, Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon's decision to send troops into the settlement on Monday night drew criticism from his political partners from Bayit Yehudi and former foreign minister Avigdor Lieberman who called for Ya'alon's resignation.
From the other side of the settlement debate, Yesh Atid Chairman Yair Lapid called for the full support of IDF troops on the ground in Beit El.
28 july 2015
The Israeli occupation authority (IOA) continued on Monday construction works to expand Njihut settlement on Palestinian lands south of al-Khalil.
Local sources told the PIC reporter that the IOA has renewed construction work to expand western areas of Njihut settlement after establishing housing units on its eastern area.
The settlement expansion work would restrict movement in neighboring areas, where Israeli settlers have seized during the past two years large tracts of land.
Local sources told the PIC reporter that the IOA has renewed construction work to expand western areas of Njihut settlement after establishing housing units on its eastern area.
The settlement expansion work would restrict movement in neighboring areas, where Israeli settlers have seized during the past two years large tracts of land.
Officials join
families in defiantly repopulating Sa-Nur, a settlement abandoned in the
disengagement, as youths battle security forces for control of Beit El
near Ramallah.
Violence erupted in the settlement of Beit El near Ramallah late Wednesday night when a group of approximately 200 young adults took control of the so-called Draynoff buildings, two housing structures which the High Court ordered be torn down Sunday night.
Security forces arrested 50 of the activists according to Honenu, an organization that offers legal help to Israelis. The rest of those protesting in Beit El were removed using riot control measures. The activists claimed that security forces used tear gas was inside the buildings in an attempt to remove those present.
The area was designated as a closed military zone and Israeli Border Police occupied the Draynoff buildings in order to prevent the return of the violent protesters.
Meanwhile, some 250 people, including dozens of families that were removed from the Sa-Nur settlement in the West Bank during the disengagement in 2005, returned to the village overnight without approval from Israeli security forces.
Government officials joined the group, including Bayit HaYehudi MK Bezalel Smotrich and Professor Aryeh Eldad. The entered the fort-like structure that remains standing in Sa-Nur with the intention of permanently returning to the settlement.
"Ten years after the disengagement, it's about time to fix things. And that begins here, in northern Samaria," said Smotrich in a press release. "Families have begun settling into the rooms of the fort with the intention of staying for some time. We don't intend to move from here."
Violence erupted in the settlement of Beit El near Ramallah late Wednesday night when a group of approximately 200 young adults took control of the so-called Draynoff buildings, two housing structures which the High Court ordered be torn down Sunday night.
Security forces arrested 50 of the activists according to Honenu, an organization that offers legal help to Israelis. The rest of those protesting in Beit El were removed using riot control measures. The activists claimed that security forces used tear gas was inside the buildings in an attempt to remove those present.
The area was designated as a closed military zone and Israeli Border Police occupied the Draynoff buildings in order to prevent the return of the violent protesters.
Meanwhile, some 250 people, including dozens of families that were removed from the Sa-Nur settlement in the West Bank during the disengagement in 2005, returned to the village overnight without approval from Israeli security forces.
Government officials joined the group, including Bayit HaYehudi MK Bezalel Smotrich and Professor Aryeh Eldad. The entered the fort-like structure that remains standing in Sa-Nur with the intention of permanently returning to the settlement.
"Ten years after the disengagement, it's about time to fix things. And that begins here, in northern Samaria," said Smotrich in a press release. "Families have begun settling into the rooms of the fort with the intention of staying for some time. We don't intend to move from here."
27 july 2015
Hundreds of settlers and supporters set up a tent city in protest of the High Court's decision to halt the construction of Beit El housing project.
In the wake of Sunday's High Court of Justice decision to halt construction in the West Bank settlement of Beit El, settler groups set up a protest tent near the site.
Hundreds of settlers and their supporters were expected to come to Beit El on Monday to join the protest against the construction freeze of the so-called Draynoff buildings, named for the contractor who built them, which have 24 housings. Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked was also expected be present.
Sunday night, in contradiction with last week's decision of the subcommittee for settlement in the IDF's Civil Administration, the High Court ordered an immediate halt to the preparation and development of the area until deliberations are held in early August.
The decision raised the ire of local settler leaders. "As observant Jews, along with the legal procedures, we turn in prayer to God to have mercy on his children and do what's right for the people of Israel," said Shay Alon, head of the Beit El council.
The High Court's decision, issued by Justice Anat Baron, was made following an urgent petition filed by Yesh Din, an Israeli human rights group providing legal assistance to citizens of the Palestinian Territories.
"These directives are designed in accordance with its stated mission, to try and give a seal of approval to illegal building on private land, without permits and in violation of administrative orders," reads the petition regarding the approval of the Drayonff complex by the Civil Administration. "The acceleration of the program was clearly in bad faith, contrary to all basic rules of planning, and a head-on violation of domestic and international law, in an attempt to save the houses."
Settlers promised to stop tractors and bulldozers with their bodies in the event they come to fulfill the court's decision to demolish the pair of houses before the end of July.
Announcements published in Shabbat pamphlets distributed by the Yesha Council invited the general public to come to Beit El and take part in its activities. The Draynoff controversy comes after reports of an unofficial settlement freeze, implemented recently by the government, that was harshly condemned by settler leaders and right-wing MKs.
Last week, council leader Alon criticized the High Court's intervention on the issue, which, according to him, should be decided at the municipal level. "These houses are located within Beit El's jurisdiction," he said. "The High Court ruled that these houses will be demolished in one week's time and we're asking, since when does the High Court intervene within municipal boundaries? Why destroy only to build once again?"
Alon added, "This is part of the democracy we have that allows us to fight and say to all the people of Israel that something absurd is happening, there is protest, there is exploitation. It's illogical that the High Court in all other areas doesn't intervene in municipal jurisdictions, and suddenly here it is trampling with a heavy hand, it is violating the legislature, it is violating the rule of right, saying, I am the landlord here!"
The Beit El local council stated that "the Civil Administration validated the construction program of the Draynoff houses and we published the validation as required. Accordingly, the Council issued a building permit at the end of last week already, that was transmitted to the houses and therefore the temporary order issued today has no meaning as the building permit was issued in advance. The Council's intention is to turn to the Civil Administrator to cancel the demolition order due to the building permits given."
In the wake of Sunday's High Court of Justice decision to halt construction in the West Bank settlement of Beit El, settler groups set up a protest tent near the site.
Hundreds of settlers and their supporters were expected to come to Beit El on Monday to join the protest against the construction freeze of the so-called Draynoff buildings, named for the contractor who built them, which have 24 housings. Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked was also expected be present.
Sunday night, in contradiction with last week's decision of the subcommittee for settlement in the IDF's Civil Administration, the High Court ordered an immediate halt to the preparation and development of the area until deliberations are held in early August.
The decision raised the ire of local settler leaders. "As observant Jews, along with the legal procedures, we turn in prayer to God to have mercy on his children and do what's right for the people of Israel," said Shay Alon, head of the Beit El council.
The High Court's decision, issued by Justice Anat Baron, was made following an urgent petition filed by Yesh Din, an Israeli human rights group providing legal assistance to citizens of the Palestinian Territories.
"These directives are designed in accordance with its stated mission, to try and give a seal of approval to illegal building on private land, without permits and in violation of administrative orders," reads the petition regarding the approval of the Drayonff complex by the Civil Administration. "The acceleration of the program was clearly in bad faith, contrary to all basic rules of planning, and a head-on violation of domestic and international law, in an attempt to save the houses."
Settlers promised to stop tractors and bulldozers with their bodies in the event they come to fulfill the court's decision to demolish the pair of houses before the end of July.
Announcements published in Shabbat pamphlets distributed by the Yesha Council invited the general public to come to Beit El and take part in its activities. The Draynoff controversy comes after reports of an unofficial settlement freeze, implemented recently by the government, that was harshly condemned by settler leaders and right-wing MKs.
Last week, council leader Alon criticized the High Court's intervention on the issue, which, according to him, should be decided at the municipal level. "These houses are located within Beit El's jurisdiction," he said. "The High Court ruled that these houses will be demolished in one week's time and we're asking, since when does the High Court intervene within municipal boundaries? Why destroy only to build once again?"
Alon added, "This is part of the democracy we have that allows us to fight and say to all the people of Israel that something absurd is happening, there is protest, there is exploitation. It's illogical that the High Court in all other areas doesn't intervene in municipal jurisdictions, and suddenly here it is trampling with a heavy hand, it is violating the legislature, it is violating the rule of right, saying, I am the landlord here!"
The Beit El local council stated that "the Civil Administration validated the construction program of the Draynoff houses and we published the validation as required. Accordingly, the Council issued a building permit at the end of last week already, that was transmitted to the houses and therefore the temporary order issued today has no meaning as the building permit was issued in advance. The Council's intention is to turn to the Civil Administrator to cancel the demolition order due to the building permits given."
26 july 2015
Palestinian villagers and farmers from Salfit have complained that Jewish settlers filled an agricultural water well with dirt and rocks to prevent them from using it to irrigate their lands in Wadi Qana (Qana Valley), west of Deir Istiya town.
Local sources said that the settlers buried the well with mounds of dirt and rocks and fled the scene.
Specialist in settlement affairs Khaled Maali said that the settlers aim to seize the whole area of Wadi Qana and force the famers to leave their lands in order to expand eight settlements encircling the valley.
Maali expressed his belief that there is a kind of coordination between the Israeli occupation army and the settlers in the area to expel the farmers from the valley, where the former bars them from working their lands and the latter harasses them by unleashing pigs into their fields.
Local sources said that the settlers buried the well with mounds of dirt and rocks and fled the scene.
Specialist in settlement affairs Khaled Maali said that the settlers aim to seize the whole area of Wadi Qana and force the famers to leave their lands in order to expand eight settlements encircling the valley.
Maali expressed his belief that there is a kind of coordination between the Israeli occupation army and the settlers in the area to expel the farmers from the valley, where the former bars them from working their lands and the latter harasses them by unleashing pigs into their fields.
25 july 2015
The Israeli occupation authority (IOA) on Thursday started to bulldoze Palestinian plots of land in Ras al-Amoud neighborhood east of the Old City of Jerusalem as a prelude to annexing them to Ma'ale ha-Zeitim settlement.
The Israeli district committee for planning and building in occupied Jerusalem had approved earlier this year a plan to expand Ma'ale ha-Zeitim and later chose an Israeli company to carry out the project.
The project includes the construction of a building and a religious site for Jewish rituals and will be established on two dunums of land located near the previous police station on the southern side of the settlement.
The Israeli district committee for planning and building in occupied Jerusalem had approved earlier this year a plan to expand Ma'ale ha-Zeitim and later chose an Israeli company to carry out the project.
The project includes the construction of a building and a religious site for Jewish rituals and will be established on two dunums of land located near the previous police station on the southern side of the settlement.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is investigating a complaint Jordan submitted by Jordan against Israel's construction of an airport near Aqaba, a minister said Saturday.
Jordanian minister of transportation Lina Shabib told Jordan’s daily newspaper al-Ghad that the ICAO planned to vote on Jordan's submission.
The new Israeli airport to be called Timna, argued Shabib, is too close to Jordan’s King Hussein international airport -- located in the large coastal city of Aqaba -- possibly effecting aerial frequencies of the regional hub and leading to accidents.
Israel, she added, had continues to build the Timna airport despite Jordan’s vocal opposition to the project. The Jordanian minister highlighted that the country’s foreign and transport ministries would continue to address the issue through relevant international organizations.
In 1994 the two countries signed a peace agreement that included several joint economic and infrastructure projects, one of which was a jointly-operated airport that never came into fruition.Potential for the joint airport fully dissipated when Israel started in 2013 to construct the Timna airport, around 20 kilometers from the Israeli resort city of Eilat, and less than 10 kilometers from Aqaba.
The head of Jordan’s Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission, Mohammad Amin Al-Quran, told Israeli media at the time, “When we found out about the location of the new Israeli airport, we realized there was a problem.
"Based on the details we have, the plan does not meet international standards. The distance between the Jordanian international airport in Aqaba and the airport that Israel wants to build is insufficient, and this could endanger planes and passengers on both sides," he added.
Jordanian minister of transportation Lina Shabib told Jordan’s daily newspaper al-Ghad that the ICAO planned to vote on Jordan's submission.
The new Israeli airport to be called Timna, argued Shabib, is too close to Jordan’s King Hussein international airport -- located in the large coastal city of Aqaba -- possibly effecting aerial frequencies of the regional hub and leading to accidents.
Israel, she added, had continues to build the Timna airport despite Jordan’s vocal opposition to the project. The Jordanian minister highlighted that the country’s foreign and transport ministries would continue to address the issue through relevant international organizations.
In 1994 the two countries signed a peace agreement that included several joint economic and infrastructure projects, one of which was a jointly-operated airport that never came into fruition.Potential for the joint airport fully dissipated when Israel started in 2013 to construct the Timna airport, around 20 kilometers from the Israeli resort city of Eilat, and less than 10 kilometers from Aqaba.
The head of Jordan’s Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission, Mohammad Amin Al-Quran, told Israeli media at the time, “When we found out about the location of the new Israeli airport, we realized there was a problem.
"Based on the details we have, the plan does not meet international standards. The distance between the Jordanian international airport in Aqaba and the airport that Israel wants to build is insufficient, and this could endanger planes and passengers on both sides," he added.
24 july 2015
PLO Chief Negotiator, Saeb Erekat, called on the international community on Firday to immediately intervene and demand the Israeli government hault its illegal settlement activity.
Erekat made his demand in reference to the most recent bid to build new illegal settlement units, an order to demolish the Susiya village in Hebron and the expulsion of Bedouins from the al-Eizariya town in Jerusalem and the ongoing apartheid policy.
Erekat’s statement came during a meeting with Fernando Gentilini, the EU Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process, delegation of the Human Rights Committee of the European Parliament, the charge d'affaires of the American consul, the Italian consul and the French consul separately.
Erekat added that days after the EU demanded the Israeli government to stop its settlement activity Israel responded with a bid to build 906 settlement units.
He called upon the EU to hold the Israeli government accountable for its ongoing actions and policies violating the international law and legitimacy.
Recently, the EU passed a policy implementing labels on products produced in illegal settlements, and also received pressure from a large EU think-tank which released a report urging the EU to begin differentiating between business done with Israel and its illegal settlements.
Erekat made his demand in reference to the most recent bid to build new illegal settlement units, an order to demolish the Susiya village in Hebron and the expulsion of Bedouins from the al-Eizariya town in Jerusalem and the ongoing apartheid policy.
Erekat’s statement came during a meeting with Fernando Gentilini, the EU Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process, delegation of the Human Rights Committee of the European Parliament, the charge d'affaires of the American consul, the Italian consul and the French consul separately.
Erekat added that days after the EU demanded the Israeli government to stop its settlement activity Israel responded with a bid to build 906 settlement units.
He called upon the EU to hold the Israeli government accountable for its ongoing actions and policies violating the international law and legitimacy.
Recently, the EU passed a policy implementing labels on products produced in illegal settlements, and also received pressure from a large EU think-tank which released a report urging the EU to begin differentiating between business done with Israel and its illegal settlements.
Israel's Civil Administration is advancing plans for the development of 1,065 housing units in eight different settlements throughout occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank, a settlement watchdog announced on Thursday.
The civil administration -- Israel's governing body for the occupied West Bank -- approved 15 plans for various planning stages in the settlements at hand, Peace Now said.
According to Ma'an News Agency, approved plans included legalizing 228 already existing housing units that have been completed in settlements, as well as 541 new housing units yet to be constructed.
An infrastructure plan connecting 296 housing units was also given the go ahead.
One of the plans passed by the administration will begin construction of 24 housing units, in two new buildings, at the Bet El settlement near the West Bank town of Ramallah.
Commonly known as the "Dreinoff buildings," the two new buildings will join others built on private Palestinian lands that are supposed to be demolished by the end of this month after a ruling by the Supreme Court, Peace Now said.
"Following yesterday's approval of the plan, the State is expected to request the Supreme Court to reverse its ruling," the group added.
The right-wing government pieced together by Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu in March is largely comprised of MK's that promote rapid settlement expansion throughout occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank, and publicly oppose an independent Palestinian state.
In an ongoing trend, pro-settlement groups have yielded substantial power from the government. Peace Now reported that "in recent weeks settler groups have put heavy pressure on the government, including numerous demonstrations throughout the West Bank, not to demolish the buildings."
Over the last two decades, Jewish settlements have expanded throughout the West Bank and have made the potential for a contiguous Palestinian state near-impossible if they remain.
The Israeli government provides separate system of infrastructure for those living in the Jewish-only settlements, connecting over 500,000 settlers to roads, electricity, water, and sewage systems that remain inaccessible to neighboring Palestinians.
Recent plans passed by the Civil Administration, also included the legalization of 179 housing units in the settlement Beit Arie, 24 housing units in Psagot, and 22 housing units at Givon HaHadasha.
Last week, Israeli Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon, approved the construction of two new roads that will bypass Hawara, a Palestinian town south of Nablus, and El-Aroub, a Palestinian refugee camp south of Bethlehem, the group added.
While settler groups "lobbied furiously" last year for the two roads, then-Minister of Finance, Yair Lapid reportedly rejected the demands on the grounds that their construction would be too expensive.
"Now, with the new government at place, the approval for the roads has been granted," Peace Now said.
Israeli Authorities Announce 906 New Settlement Units
In defiance of international law, Israeli occupation authorities approved, on Thursday, 906 new settlement units in the occupied West Bank.
It is reported, according to Days of Palestine, that the Israeli Supreme Court ruled several buildings in the Jewish-only Beit El settlement to be illegal and consequently ordered their demolition.
However, Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon approved the construction permits of the new settlement units.
The Israeli Civil Administration in the West Bank will include, in its announcement, the approval of 296 units in Beit El, which rests several kilometres north of Ramallah, the seat of the Palestinian government.
According to the Israeli online newspaper "Times of Israel", the new units will be built on a soon-to-be-evacuated Border Police base. The construction is compensation for Beit El agreeing to withdraw from five buildings it previously held on private Palestinian territory.
Other construction will take place in Ma’aleh Adumin, 112 new units, and Givat Zeev, 381 new units.
Both settlements are less than 10 kilometres from Jerusalem and considered within the major settlement blocs the Israeli occupation will seek to keep in any future agreement with the Palestinian.
The civil administration -- Israel's governing body for the occupied West Bank -- approved 15 plans for various planning stages in the settlements at hand, Peace Now said.
According to Ma'an News Agency, approved plans included legalizing 228 already existing housing units that have been completed in settlements, as well as 541 new housing units yet to be constructed.
An infrastructure plan connecting 296 housing units was also given the go ahead.
One of the plans passed by the administration will begin construction of 24 housing units, in two new buildings, at the Bet El settlement near the West Bank town of Ramallah.
Commonly known as the "Dreinoff buildings," the two new buildings will join others built on private Palestinian lands that are supposed to be demolished by the end of this month after a ruling by the Supreme Court, Peace Now said.
"Following yesterday's approval of the plan, the State is expected to request the Supreme Court to reverse its ruling," the group added.
The right-wing government pieced together by Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu in March is largely comprised of MK's that promote rapid settlement expansion throughout occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank, and publicly oppose an independent Palestinian state.
In an ongoing trend, pro-settlement groups have yielded substantial power from the government. Peace Now reported that "in recent weeks settler groups have put heavy pressure on the government, including numerous demonstrations throughout the West Bank, not to demolish the buildings."
Over the last two decades, Jewish settlements have expanded throughout the West Bank and have made the potential for a contiguous Palestinian state near-impossible if they remain.
The Israeli government provides separate system of infrastructure for those living in the Jewish-only settlements, connecting over 500,000 settlers to roads, electricity, water, and sewage systems that remain inaccessible to neighboring Palestinians.
Recent plans passed by the Civil Administration, also included the legalization of 179 housing units in the settlement Beit Arie, 24 housing units in Psagot, and 22 housing units at Givon HaHadasha.
Last week, Israeli Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon, approved the construction of two new roads that will bypass Hawara, a Palestinian town south of Nablus, and El-Aroub, a Palestinian refugee camp south of Bethlehem, the group added.
While settler groups "lobbied furiously" last year for the two roads, then-Minister of Finance, Yair Lapid reportedly rejected the demands on the grounds that their construction would be too expensive.
"Now, with the new government at place, the approval for the roads has been granted," Peace Now said.
Israeli Authorities Announce 906 New Settlement Units
In defiance of international law, Israeli occupation authorities approved, on Thursday, 906 new settlement units in the occupied West Bank.
It is reported, according to Days of Palestine, that the Israeli Supreme Court ruled several buildings in the Jewish-only Beit El settlement to be illegal and consequently ordered their demolition.
However, Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon approved the construction permits of the new settlement units.
The Israeli Civil Administration in the West Bank will include, in its announcement, the approval of 296 units in Beit El, which rests several kilometres north of Ramallah, the seat of the Palestinian government.
According to the Israeli online newspaper "Times of Israel", the new units will be built on a soon-to-be-evacuated Border Police base. The construction is compensation for Beit El agreeing to withdraw from five buildings it previously held on private Palestinian territory.
Other construction will take place in Ma’aleh Adumin, 112 new units, and Givat Zeev, 381 new units.
Both settlements are less than 10 kilometres from Jerusalem and considered within the major settlement blocs the Israeli occupation will seek to keep in any future agreement with the Palestinian.
22 july 2015
Subcommittee on settlements to discuss new housing units in Beit El, Ma'aleh Adumim, Givat Ze'ev, Beit Aryeh after a year without new construction.
The subcommittee for settlements within the Israeli Civil Administration was expected to approve on Wednesday the construction of hundreds of housing units in the West Bank, ending a year-long unofficial freeze.
The subcommittee's hearing will also deal with the two Dreinoff buildings in Beit El, after a Supreme Court ruling to demolish them by the end of the month led to wide-scale protest from settlers. Over the past week, settlers upped their rhetoric against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon, who they say gave the order to freeze construction in the West Bank.
They sent a letter to Likud MKs with the headline "Netanyahu is suffocating the settlements and the Likud remains silent?"
The settlers asserted that a decision in their favor at the subcommittee meeting will be an attempt by the defense minister to fix the strained relationship between the settlers and the prime minister. The freeze in settlement construction came to the fore last week when, according to settler leaders, Netanyahu told them: "We cannot develop the settlements further, but rather need to preserve what we have."
The Likud party denied the comment attributed to Netanyahu, while the head of the Har Hebron regional council, Yochai Damari, said that "the ramifications of deciding to freeze settlement planning and building in Samaria will hurt many communities." The subcommittee is expected to approve, along with the Dreinoff buildings, some 296 homes to be built on land near Beit El currently housing a Border Police base that is to be vacated as part of the evacuation agreement of several buildings in the Ulpana neighborhood in 2012.
The subcommittee will also discuss the construction of 112 housing units in Ma'aleh Adumim, 381 in Givat Ze'ev and 27 housing units in the settlement Beit Aryeh in the southwestern Samaria. The subcommittee will also receive requests to approve dozens of housing units that have already been built in Psagot, and 22 units in Giv'on HaHadasha.
It will also receive plans for the development of the Karnei Shomron industrial area, the expansion of the "Makor Haim" yeshiva in Neve Daniel (where Gil-Ad Shaer and Naftali Frenkel studied), and converting land from an open private area to an area where public institutions and other structures can be built.
Left-wing NGO Peace Now said in response, "It is a black day for the two-state vision. The settlers' threats have proven themselves once again and the government is once again accelerating construction across the territories and in isolated settlements. "
The subcommittee for settlements within the Israeli Civil Administration was expected to approve on Wednesday the construction of hundreds of housing units in the West Bank, ending a year-long unofficial freeze.
The subcommittee's hearing will also deal with the two Dreinoff buildings in Beit El, after a Supreme Court ruling to demolish them by the end of the month led to wide-scale protest from settlers. Over the past week, settlers upped their rhetoric against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon, who they say gave the order to freeze construction in the West Bank.
They sent a letter to Likud MKs with the headline "Netanyahu is suffocating the settlements and the Likud remains silent?"
The settlers asserted that a decision in their favor at the subcommittee meeting will be an attempt by the defense minister to fix the strained relationship between the settlers and the prime minister. The freeze in settlement construction came to the fore last week when, according to settler leaders, Netanyahu told them: "We cannot develop the settlements further, but rather need to preserve what we have."
The Likud party denied the comment attributed to Netanyahu, while the head of the Har Hebron regional council, Yochai Damari, said that "the ramifications of deciding to freeze settlement planning and building in Samaria will hurt many communities." The subcommittee is expected to approve, along with the Dreinoff buildings, some 296 homes to be built on land near Beit El currently housing a Border Police base that is to be vacated as part of the evacuation agreement of several buildings in the Ulpana neighborhood in 2012.
The subcommittee will also discuss the construction of 112 housing units in Ma'aleh Adumim, 381 in Givat Ze'ev and 27 housing units in the settlement Beit Aryeh in the southwestern Samaria. The subcommittee will also receive requests to approve dozens of housing units that have already been built in Psagot, and 22 units in Giv'on HaHadasha.
It will also receive plans for the development of the Karnei Shomron industrial area, the expansion of the "Makor Haim" yeshiva in Neve Daniel (where Gil-Ad Shaer and Naftali Frenkel studied), and converting land from an open private area to an area where public institutions and other structures can be built.
Left-wing NGO Peace Now said in response, "It is a black day for the two-state vision. The settlers' threats have proven themselves once again and the government is once again accelerating construction across the territories and in isolated settlements. "
Israel's Civil Administration in the West Bank is slated to allot permits towards the construction of 906 new housing units on Thursday in the first such authorization in a year, the Haaretz news website reported Wednesday.
The permits are being moved forward by war minister Moshe Ya’alon in a bid to lessen the blow of a High Court ruling that ordered the demolition of two illegal structures in the settlement of Beit El.
According to Haaretz, the Civil Administration's planning and building committee on Wednesday will issue 296 permits for units in Beit El, which will be constructed on a Border Police base that will be evacuated. The permits come after Beit El agreed to clear out five structures that were built on private Palestinian land.
Other settlements that will receive permits include Ma'ale Adumim, with 112 new units; Givat Zeev, with 381 units; Psagot, with 24 units; and Beit Arieh, with 27 units.
In addition, 22 units that were built illegally in the settlement of Giv'on will receive retroactive approval, as well as another 179 units built 20 years ago in Ofarim.
Israeli justice minister Ayelet Shaked on Tuesday set up a committee intended to legalize West Bank illegal outposts and to determine which land is privately owned, claiming many tracts are of indeterminate status.
The Israeli Knesset is also set to discuss a legislation to resume the transfer of funds to the settlement department so as to enhance the outposts’ infrastructure.
Israel to confirm 886 new West Bank settlement units
It is expected that Planning Council of the Civil Administration in the Israeli army will today confirm a plan to build 886 new settlement units in the West Bank after it failed last year to approve any new building projects.
According to today’s issue of Haaretz newspaper, a number of these new units will be built in the established settlement of Man’azleh.
It is also expected that the Council will retroactively approve around 180 units built approximately 20 years ago in Efraim settlement without permits, as well as two buildings in Bet El settlement, according to orders recently handed down by the Israeli Supreme Court.
Settlements are illegal under international law and are a controversial point in all attempts at peace negotiations.
The permits are being moved forward by war minister Moshe Ya’alon in a bid to lessen the blow of a High Court ruling that ordered the demolition of two illegal structures in the settlement of Beit El.
According to Haaretz, the Civil Administration's planning and building committee on Wednesday will issue 296 permits for units in Beit El, which will be constructed on a Border Police base that will be evacuated. The permits come after Beit El agreed to clear out five structures that were built on private Palestinian land.
Other settlements that will receive permits include Ma'ale Adumim, with 112 new units; Givat Zeev, with 381 units; Psagot, with 24 units; and Beit Arieh, with 27 units.
In addition, 22 units that were built illegally in the settlement of Giv'on will receive retroactive approval, as well as another 179 units built 20 years ago in Ofarim.
Israeli justice minister Ayelet Shaked on Tuesday set up a committee intended to legalize West Bank illegal outposts and to determine which land is privately owned, claiming many tracts are of indeterminate status.
The Israeli Knesset is also set to discuss a legislation to resume the transfer of funds to the settlement department so as to enhance the outposts’ infrastructure.
Israel to confirm 886 new West Bank settlement units
It is expected that Planning Council of the Civil Administration in the Israeli army will today confirm a plan to build 886 new settlement units in the West Bank after it failed last year to approve any new building projects.
According to today’s issue of Haaretz newspaper, a number of these new units will be built in the established settlement of Man’azleh.
It is also expected that the Council will retroactively approve around 180 units built approximately 20 years ago in Efraim settlement without permits, as well as two buildings in Bet El settlement, according to orders recently handed down by the Israeli Supreme Court.
Settlements are illegal under international law and are a controversial point in all attempts at peace negotiations.
21 july 2015
Israeli checkpoint in Bethlehem
Israeli settlers, Monday, put up banners in multiple areas in Bethlehem district calling for more Palestinian lands to be confiscated for the purpose of settlement construction and expansion, according to local and security sources.
Ahmad Salah, coordinator of the Anti-Settlement Committee in the village of al-Khader, south of Bethlehem, said a group of settlers arrived at the entrance of the village and set up large banners warning of a new round of “struggle for land” and a rise in settlements activity.
According to WAFA, the incident came a day after Jewish settlers organized three provocative rallies near Ramallah and Bethlehem in call-up for more settlement activity in the occupied West Bank.
One of the rallies was organized at road 60 between Nablus and Ramallah, and developed into a riot and a clash with Palestinians from the village of Lubban e-Sharkiya. WAFA correspondent said the settlers waved slogans and banners that threaten Palestinians of an imminent war.
Settlements built on Palestinian land occupied by Israel, including East Jerusalem, are deemed illegal by the United Nations. Israel’s refusal to halt their construction and expansion has at times obstructed the peace process and increased resentment and distrust with the Palestinians.
Peace Now, an Israeli human rights group, says, “Over the years, Israel has used a number of legal and bureaucratic procedures in order to appropriate West Bank lands, with the primary objective of establishing settlements and providing land reserves for them.”
“Using primarily these five methods: seizure for military purposes; declaration of state lands; seizure of absentee property; confiscation for public needs; and initial registration, Israel has managed to take over about 50% of the lands in the West Bank, barring the local Palestinian public from using them,” it added.
Since 2009, when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu returned to office, until 2014, figures show that the Jewish settler population in the West Bank has grew by 23 percent.
According to the Council for European Palestinian Relations (CEPR), “There are currently 121 Israeli settlements and approximately 102 Israeli outposts built illegally on Palestinian land occupied militarily by Israel since 1967 (West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights). The largest of the illegal settlements is Modi'in Ilit, with a population of 46,245 as of 2009.”
It added, “These settlements and outposts are inhabited by a population of some 462,000 Israeli settlers: 191,000 live in settlements around Jerusalem and an additional 271,400 are spread throughout the West Bank.”
Israeli settlers, Monday, put up banners in multiple areas in Bethlehem district calling for more Palestinian lands to be confiscated for the purpose of settlement construction and expansion, according to local and security sources.
Ahmad Salah, coordinator of the Anti-Settlement Committee in the village of al-Khader, south of Bethlehem, said a group of settlers arrived at the entrance of the village and set up large banners warning of a new round of “struggle for land” and a rise in settlements activity.
According to WAFA, the incident came a day after Jewish settlers organized three provocative rallies near Ramallah and Bethlehem in call-up for more settlement activity in the occupied West Bank.
One of the rallies was organized at road 60 between Nablus and Ramallah, and developed into a riot and a clash with Palestinians from the village of Lubban e-Sharkiya. WAFA correspondent said the settlers waved slogans and banners that threaten Palestinians of an imminent war.
Settlements built on Palestinian land occupied by Israel, including East Jerusalem, are deemed illegal by the United Nations. Israel’s refusal to halt their construction and expansion has at times obstructed the peace process and increased resentment and distrust with the Palestinians.
Peace Now, an Israeli human rights group, says, “Over the years, Israel has used a number of legal and bureaucratic procedures in order to appropriate West Bank lands, with the primary objective of establishing settlements and providing land reserves for them.”
“Using primarily these five methods: seizure for military purposes; declaration of state lands; seizure of absentee property; confiscation for public needs; and initial registration, Israel has managed to take over about 50% of the lands in the West Bank, barring the local Palestinian public from using them,” it added.
Since 2009, when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu returned to office, until 2014, figures show that the Jewish settler population in the West Bank has grew by 23 percent.
According to the Council for European Palestinian Relations (CEPR), “There are currently 121 Israeli settlements and approximately 102 Israeli outposts built illegally on Palestinian land occupied militarily by Israel since 1967 (West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights). The largest of the illegal settlements is Modi'in Ilit, with a population of 46,245 as of 2009.”
It added, “These settlements and outposts are inhabited by a population of some 462,000 Israeli settlers: 191,000 live in settlements around Jerusalem and an additional 271,400 are spread throughout the West Bank.”