10 july 2016
Israeli Occupation government is expected on Sunday to approve a plan to support Kiryat Arba settlement east of al-Khalil with 50 million shekels.
Israeli media sources revealed that the Israeli Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel of the Jewish Home Party initiated the project with the support of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Minister Uri Ariel said that the project aims at supporting the settlement and its inhabitants in response to what he called "terrorist attacks" which have recently been carried out in al-Khalil.
Israeli media sources revealed that the Israeli Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel of the Jewish Home Party initiated the project with the support of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Minister Uri Ariel said that the project aims at supporting the settlement and its inhabitants in response to what he called "terrorist attacks" which have recently been carried out in al-Khalil.
The National Office to Defend the Land and Resist Settlement warned on Saturday of Israel’s ongoing attempts to boost illegal settlement using the Middle East Quartet as a shield.
The National Office to Defend the Land slammed in its weekly report the latest Israeli decisions to prop up illegal settlements, saying such measures amount to an outspoken breach of international legitimacy.
According to the report, the Middle East Quartet has served as a cover for Israel’s illegal settlement policies by “equating the victim and the executioner.”
“The Quartet report paid no heed to international laws and treaties and gave Israel a green light to hold sway over Palestinian lands,” the report read.
Recently, the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his government will do every possible effort to boost illegal settlement building across the occupied West Bank and gave instructions to provide settlers with needed security funds.
A similar position was voiced by Israel’s war minister Avigdor Lieberman who called for massacring anti-occupation activists.
The minister further announced the launch of a new scheme to build 42 housing units in the illegal Kiryat Arba settlement.
According to the National Office to Defend the Land, Israel approved the construction of some 800 settlement units in Occupied East Jerusalem and its environs, along with 560 housing units in the Maale Adumin settlement and 140 units in Ramot.
A few days earlier, a request to transfer 41.5 million shekels was submitted by the Israeli Finance Ministry to the Knesset Finance Committee as part of Israeli intents to double the sum already allocated for protecting Jewish settlers in East Occupied Jerusalem.
The Israeli Channel 7 also said 50 million shekels were allotted by the occupation government to improve infrastructure and security for residents of the illegal Kiryat Arba settlement, in the southern occupied West Bank.
The National Office to Defend the Land slammed in its weekly report the latest Israeli decisions to prop up illegal settlements, saying such measures amount to an outspoken breach of international legitimacy.
According to the report, the Middle East Quartet has served as a cover for Israel’s illegal settlement policies by “equating the victim and the executioner.”
“The Quartet report paid no heed to international laws and treaties and gave Israel a green light to hold sway over Palestinian lands,” the report read.
Recently, the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his government will do every possible effort to boost illegal settlement building across the occupied West Bank and gave instructions to provide settlers with needed security funds.
A similar position was voiced by Israel’s war minister Avigdor Lieberman who called for massacring anti-occupation activists.
The minister further announced the launch of a new scheme to build 42 housing units in the illegal Kiryat Arba settlement.
According to the National Office to Defend the Land, Israel approved the construction of some 800 settlement units in Occupied East Jerusalem and its environs, along with 560 housing units in the Maale Adumin settlement and 140 units in Ramot.
A few days earlier, a request to transfer 41.5 million shekels was submitted by the Israeli Finance Ministry to the Knesset Finance Committee as part of Israeli intents to double the sum already allocated for protecting Jewish settlers in East Occupied Jerusalem.
The Israeli Channel 7 also said 50 million shekels were allotted by the occupation government to improve infrastructure and security for residents of the illegal Kiryat Arba settlement, in the southern occupied West Bank.
Israeli “Peace Now” organization Saturday revealed that the Israeli Occupation Authority is going to announce construction plans to establish 169 new settlement units east of Occupied Jerusalem in the coming few days.
The National Office for the defense of land and resistance of settlement affirmed that the endorsement of the construction plans for 800 new settlement units in east Jerusalem has been announced.
Another 560 houses will be built as well in Maale Adomim settlement near Occupied Jerusalem, 140 other units in Ramout settlement, and 100 others in Har Homa and Pisgat Ze'ev settlements, the office pointed out.
Israeli ministry of finance had earlier asked the financial committee in the Israeli Knesset to transfer 14.5 million shekels to enhance the security of settlers and settlements east of the holy city.
The National Office for the defense of land and resistance of settlement affirmed that the endorsement of the construction plans for 800 new settlement units in east Jerusalem has been announced.
Another 560 houses will be built as well in Maale Adomim settlement near Occupied Jerusalem, 140 other units in Ramout settlement, and 100 others in Har Homa and Pisgat Ze'ev settlements, the office pointed out.
Israeli ministry of finance had earlier asked the financial committee in the Israeli Knesset to transfer 14.5 million shekels to enhance the security of settlers and settlements east of the holy city.
9 july 2016
The Israeli infrastructure projects of 24 settlements, illegally built on Palestinian-owned lands in Salfit, drain more agricultural lands of the city.
Eyewitnesses affirmed that Israeli bulldozers were seen leveling lands north of Saoukan town west of the city in favor of extending sewer lines of the settlements.
The local activist Khaled Maali said that Israeli infrastructure projects are an additional tool used to confiscate lands and uproot olive trees in the province.
These infrastructure projects are in total violation of the international laws and conventions that clearly prohibit any construction works in an occupied land.
Eyewitnesses affirmed that Israeli bulldozers were seen leveling lands north of Saoukan town west of the city in favor of extending sewer lines of the settlements.
The local activist Khaled Maali said that Israeli infrastructure projects are an additional tool used to confiscate lands and uproot olive trees in the province.
These infrastructure projects are in total violation of the international laws and conventions that clearly prohibit any construction works in an occupied land.
8 july 2016
The Jordanian government expressed on Friday its utmost rejection to the Israeli government’s settlement policies and repetitive decisions to build and expand illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank, according to Jordan's news agency, Petra.
The Jordanian government’s spokesperson, Mohammad al-Momani, dubbed such Israeli policies an assault on the Palestinian territories and the rights of the Palestinian people.
He described the Israeli settlement policies as an obstacle before efforts exerted toward peace, maintaining that such policies dissipate hopes to achieve peace in the region.
The Jordanian official reiterated the call for the international community, particularly the U.S. and peace-brokering countries, to take a firm stance against the Israeli government’s settlement expansion policies in the occupied Palestinian territories.
The Jordanian government’s spokesperson, Mohammad al-Momani, dubbed such Israeli policies an assault on the Palestinian territories and the rights of the Palestinian people.
He described the Israeli settlement policies as an obstacle before efforts exerted toward peace, maintaining that such policies dissipate hopes to achieve peace in the region.
The Jordanian official reiterated the call for the international community, particularly the U.S. and peace-brokering countries, to take a firm stance against the Israeli government’s settlement expansion policies in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Iranian Foreign Ministry has sharply condemned Israel’s decision to construct more illegal settler units in the occupied Palestinian lands, saying the regime’s expansionist policies make a mockery of international law.
On Thursday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi said that Israel’s decision to expand its illegal settlements is against international regulations and United Nations resolutions.
He further emphasized the need for an immediate end to Israel’s unlawful construction activities in the occupied territories, calling on international bodies to help reduce the sufferings of the oppressed Palestinian nation.
Last week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the minister of military affairs, Avigdor Lieberman, approved plans to construct 800 new housing units for settlers in and around the occupied Jerusalem.
According to Israeli media, Netanyahu issued directives during a cabinet meeting on Sunday to his ministers to work together on finding ways to boost building in the settlements in the West Bank and Jerusalem.
He said the cabinet would discuss in the coming meeting a plan to promote settlement construction in Kiryat Arba, east of al-Khalil.
On Thursday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi said that Israel’s decision to expand its illegal settlements is against international regulations and United Nations resolutions.
He further emphasized the need for an immediate end to Israel’s unlawful construction activities in the occupied territories, calling on international bodies to help reduce the sufferings of the oppressed Palestinian nation.
Last week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the minister of military affairs, Avigdor Lieberman, approved plans to construct 800 new housing units for settlers in and around the occupied Jerusalem.
According to Israeli media, Netanyahu issued directives during a cabinet meeting on Sunday to his ministers to work together on finding ways to boost building in the settlements in the West Bank and Jerusalem.
He said the cabinet would discuss in the coming meeting a plan to promote settlement construction in Kiryat Arba, east of al-Khalil.
7 july 2016
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected American and European ‘condemnations’ of a new plan to build hundreds of colonialist units, in illegal Israeli colonies in the occupied West Bank, including Jerusalem.
In a press conference with the Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, on Wednesday, Netanyahu claimed that what is preventing peace in the region “is not the settlements,” but what he called the “ongoing incitement against Israel.”
Netanyahu also claimed that “Israel’s neighbors are the ones refusing to hold direct peace talks with Tel Aviv.”
Meanwhile, the United States said that the reports of the Israeli plan to build hundreds of new settlements’ units in the West Bank and Jerusalem are “troubling,” and place more obstacles in the efforts to resume direction peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians.
On Tuesday, the European Union called on Tel Aviv to void its plan to build more than 800 units, in illegal Israeli colonies in the West Bank and Jerusalem and described the move as a new threat to the two-state solution.
Israel’s colonies in the occupied West Bank, including in and around East Jerusalem, are illegal under International Law, and the Fourth Geneva Convention to which Israel is a signatory.
In a press conference with the Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, on Wednesday, Netanyahu claimed that what is preventing peace in the region “is not the settlements,” but what he called the “ongoing incitement against Israel.”
Netanyahu also claimed that “Israel’s neighbors are the ones refusing to hold direct peace talks with Tel Aviv.”
Meanwhile, the United States said that the reports of the Israeli plan to build hundreds of new settlements’ units in the West Bank and Jerusalem are “troubling,” and place more obstacles in the efforts to resume direction peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians.
On Tuesday, the European Union called on Tel Aviv to void its plan to build more than 800 units, in illegal Israeli colonies in the West Bank and Jerusalem and described the move as a new threat to the two-state solution.
Israel’s colonies in the occupied West Bank, including in and around East Jerusalem, are illegal under International Law, and the Fourth Geneva Convention to which Israel is a signatory.
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry on Wednesday called on Israeli authorities to cancel the new declared settlement projects in occupied Jerusalem and West Bank.
In a press statement issued Wednesday, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry expressed deep concern over the Israeli new settlement projects, calling on Israeli authorities to cancel the plan.
Such plans kill any chance for peace between the Israelis and Palestinians, the statement said.
“The plan came while regional and international efforts are made to push forward for the resumption of peace talks between the two parties.”
In a related context, Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu stated that his government would make special efforts to intensify settlement construction in the West Bank and Jerusalem.
According to the Israeli media, Netanyahu issued directives during a cabinet meeting on Sunday to his ministers to work together on finding ways to boost building in the settlements in the West Bank and Jerusalem.
He said the cabinet would discuss in the coming meeting a plan to promote settlement construction in Kiryat Arba, east of al-Khalil.
In a press statement issued Wednesday, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry expressed deep concern over the Israeli new settlement projects, calling on Israeli authorities to cancel the plan.
Such plans kill any chance for peace between the Israelis and Palestinians, the statement said.
“The plan came while regional and international efforts are made to push forward for the resumption of peace talks between the two parties.”
In a related context, Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu stated that his government would make special efforts to intensify settlement construction in the West Bank and Jerusalem.
According to the Israeli media, Netanyahu issued directives during a cabinet meeting on Sunday to his ministers to work together on finding ways to boost building in the settlements in the West Bank and Jerusalem.
He said the cabinet would discuss in the coming meeting a plan to promote settlement construction in Kiryat Arba, east of al-Khalil.
Israeli Occupation Authorities (IOA) will be transferring 50 million NIS in an “aid program for Jewish settlers’ steadfastness in Kiryat Arba” illegally built in al-Khalil area south of occupied West Bank.
According to Channel 7 television, the Kiryat Arba plan was submitted by Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel of the Jewish Home party.
“From the start of Zionism it has been clear that the Arab terror is beaten through settlement activities alongside security activities, that’s how it is around Gaza, that’s how it is on the northern border, and that’s also how it is the Hebron Hills region,” Ariel said, according to the sources.
Earlier last week, Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu stated that his government would make special efforts to intensify settlement construction in the West Bank and Jerusalem.
According to the Israeli media, Netanyahu issued directives during a cabinet meeting on Sunday to his ministers to work together on finding ways to boost building in the settlements in the West Bank and Jerusalem.
The move will likely raise new hackles in the international community, including the US, which already this week harshly condemned an Israeli plan for some 800 new homes in occupied Jerusalem and the West Bank.
According to Channel 7 television, the Kiryat Arba plan was submitted by Agriculture Minister Uri Ariel of the Jewish Home party.
“From the start of Zionism it has been clear that the Arab terror is beaten through settlement activities alongside security activities, that’s how it is around Gaza, that’s how it is on the northern border, and that’s also how it is the Hebron Hills region,” Ariel said, according to the sources.
Earlier last week, Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu stated that his government would make special efforts to intensify settlement construction in the West Bank and Jerusalem.
According to the Israeli media, Netanyahu issued directives during a cabinet meeting on Sunday to his ministers to work together on finding ways to boost building in the settlements in the West Bank and Jerusalem.
The move will likely raise new hackles in the international community, including the US, which already this week harshly condemned an Israeli plan for some 800 new homes in occupied Jerusalem and the West Bank.
6 july 2016
PLO Executive Member Dr. Hanan Ashrawi, Tuesday, strongly denounced Israel’s plan to expand three illegal Israeli settlements around the Jerusalem area, by building hundreds of residential units to accommodate more Israeli settlers.
She said, in a press release, “We strongly denounce plans by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman to build 560 units in the illegal settlement of Maale Adumim and 240 units in the illegal settlements of Ramot, Gilo and Har Homa. “
Ashrawi said, according to WAFA, that the Israeli government is bent on destroying the viability, integrity and territorial contiguity of a future Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital simply by isolating Jerusalem from its Palestinian environs and ethnically cleansing the occupied city of its indigenous population.
“Israel is going too far with the expansion of its illegal settlement enterprise and its blatant disregard for international law and conventions, standing UN resolutions and global consensus. The continued theft of Palestinian land and the increase in settlements constitute serious and grave threats to security and stability within the region and beyond.”
Ashrawi deplored the announcement by Netanyahu and Lieberman to expand and intensify settlement activities in Hebron, including the approval of the construction of an additional 42 units in the illegal settlement of Kiryat Arba.
Ashrawi further condemned the use of collective punishment against around 700,000 people in the Hebron area. “Such critical Israeli escalation paints a grim picture and provokes further anger, violence and extremism,” she added.
The expansion plans come two days following the release of the Middle East Quartet’s report, which flagrantly accommodates Israel’s demands and violations, equates a vulnerable people under a brutal military occupation with a ruthless occupier and falls below the minimum requirements for peace, said Ashrawi.
“We call on all members of the international community to uphold their moral, legal and political responsibilities and to hold Israel to account for its blatant violations of international law and consensus.”
“The chances for the two-state solution are rapidly disappearing; if Israel is not stopped, extremism and violence will prevail,” she concluded.
She said, in a press release, “We strongly denounce plans by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman to build 560 units in the illegal settlement of Maale Adumim and 240 units in the illegal settlements of Ramot, Gilo and Har Homa. “
Ashrawi said, according to WAFA, that the Israeli government is bent on destroying the viability, integrity and territorial contiguity of a future Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital simply by isolating Jerusalem from its Palestinian environs and ethnically cleansing the occupied city of its indigenous population.
“Israel is going too far with the expansion of its illegal settlement enterprise and its blatant disregard for international law and conventions, standing UN resolutions and global consensus. The continued theft of Palestinian land and the increase in settlements constitute serious and grave threats to security and stability within the region and beyond.”
Ashrawi deplored the announcement by Netanyahu and Lieberman to expand and intensify settlement activities in Hebron, including the approval of the construction of an additional 42 units in the illegal settlement of Kiryat Arba.
Ashrawi further condemned the use of collective punishment against around 700,000 people in the Hebron area. “Such critical Israeli escalation paints a grim picture and provokes further anger, violence and extremism,” she added.
The expansion plans come two days following the release of the Middle East Quartet’s report, which flagrantly accommodates Israel’s demands and violations, equates a vulnerable people under a brutal military occupation with a ruthless occupier and falls below the minimum requirements for peace, said Ashrawi.
“We call on all members of the international community to uphold their moral, legal and political responsibilities and to hold Israel to account for its blatant violations of international law and consensus.”
“The chances for the two-state solution are rapidly disappearing; if Israel is not stopped, extremism and violence will prevail,” she concluded.
U.S. State Department said Tuesday the reports of new Israeli construction permits called into question Israel’s commitment to the two-state solution.
We’re aware of reports that the Government of Israel intends to advance plans for hundreds of housing units in Israeli settlements in the West Bank as well as East Jerusalem, spokesman for the U.S. State Department John Kirby said.
If it’s true, this report would be the latest step in what seems to be a systematic process of land seizures, settlement expansions, and legalizations of outposts that is fundamentally undermining the prospects for a two-state solution, he added.
“We oppose steps like these, which we believe are counterproductive to the cause of peace.”
On Sunday night, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Army Minister Avigdor Liberman approved the construction of 800 of new housing units in occupied Jerusalem.
According to the plan, 560 new units will be built in Ma’ale Adumim, 140 homes were approved for Ramot settlement and 100 for the Har Homa settlement in southeastern of occupied Jerusalem.
US, UN slam Israeli decision to advance settlement construction
State Department calls plans to build hundreds of housing units in the West Bank and East Jerusalem 'a systematic process of land seizures, settlement expansions and legalizations of outposts that is fundamentally undermining the prospects for a two-state solution.'
Israel has been hit with harsh criticism over decision to advance plans to build hundreds of units in the West Bank and East Jerusalem just days after world powers called on Israel to stop its settlement policy.
State Department spokesman John Kirby said Tuesday US officials had seen reports that Israel intends to advance plans for hundreds of housing units in Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
"If true, this report would be the latest step in what seems to be a systematic process of land seizures, settlement expansions and legalizations of outposts that is fundamentally undermining the prospects for a two-state solution," Kirby told a news briefing.
UN chief Ban Ki-moon also questioned Israel's commitment to reaching peace with the Palestinians.
"This raises legitimate questions about Israel's long-term intentions, which are compounded by continuing statements of some Israeli ministers calling for the annexation of the West Bank," Ban's spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.
Ban was "deeply disappointed" that Israel's announcement followed the release of a report on Friday by the Quartet sponsoring the stalled Middle East peace process - the United States, Russia, the European Union and the United Nations.
The long-awaited report said Israel should stop building settlements, denying Palestinian development and designating land for exclusive Israeli use that Palestinians seek for a future state.
The Palestinians want an independent state in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem, areas Israel captured in the 1967 Six-Day War. The last round of peace talks broke down in April 2014 and Israeli-Palestinian violence has surged in recent months.
The Quartet report said at least 570,000 Israelis are living in the settlements.
Ban "reiterates that settlements are illegal under international law and urges the Government of Israel to halt and reverse such decisions in the interest of peace and a just final status agreement," Dujarric said.
Diplomats said the Quartet report was not as hard-hitting as expected after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu set out to ensure the document was softened.
We’re aware of reports that the Government of Israel intends to advance plans for hundreds of housing units in Israeli settlements in the West Bank as well as East Jerusalem, spokesman for the U.S. State Department John Kirby said.
If it’s true, this report would be the latest step in what seems to be a systematic process of land seizures, settlement expansions, and legalizations of outposts that is fundamentally undermining the prospects for a two-state solution, he added.
“We oppose steps like these, which we believe are counterproductive to the cause of peace.”
On Sunday night, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Army Minister Avigdor Liberman approved the construction of 800 of new housing units in occupied Jerusalem.
According to the plan, 560 new units will be built in Ma’ale Adumim, 140 homes were approved for Ramot settlement and 100 for the Har Homa settlement in southeastern of occupied Jerusalem.
US, UN slam Israeli decision to advance settlement construction
State Department calls plans to build hundreds of housing units in the West Bank and East Jerusalem 'a systematic process of land seizures, settlement expansions and legalizations of outposts that is fundamentally undermining the prospects for a two-state solution.'
Israel has been hit with harsh criticism over decision to advance plans to build hundreds of units in the West Bank and East Jerusalem just days after world powers called on Israel to stop its settlement policy.
State Department spokesman John Kirby said Tuesday US officials had seen reports that Israel intends to advance plans for hundreds of housing units in Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
"If true, this report would be the latest step in what seems to be a systematic process of land seizures, settlement expansions and legalizations of outposts that is fundamentally undermining the prospects for a two-state solution," Kirby told a news briefing.
UN chief Ban Ki-moon also questioned Israel's commitment to reaching peace with the Palestinians.
"This raises legitimate questions about Israel's long-term intentions, which are compounded by continuing statements of some Israeli ministers calling for the annexation of the West Bank," Ban's spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.
Ban was "deeply disappointed" that Israel's announcement followed the release of a report on Friday by the Quartet sponsoring the stalled Middle East peace process - the United States, Russia, the European Union and the United Nations.
The long-awaited report said Israel should stop building settlements, denying Palestinian development and designating land for exclusive Israeli use that Palestinians seek for a future state.
The Palestinians want an independent state in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem, areas Israel captured in the 1967 Six-Day War. The last round of peace talks broke down in April 2014 and Israeli-Palestinian violence has surged in recent months.
The Quartet report said at least 570,000 Israelis are living in the settlements.
Ban "reiterates that settlements are illegal under international law and urges the Government of Israel to halt and reverse such decisions in the interest of peace and a just final status agreement," Dujarric said.
Diplomats said the Quartet report was not as hard-hitting as expected after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu set out to ensure the document was softened.
Israeli bulldozers started leveling works in al-Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood for opening a street and establishing housing apartments compound for the sake of increasing numbers of settlers residing in Occupied Jerusalem.
With the increasing establishment of settlements, there have been over 29 settlements located within 112,000 dunums in Occupied Jerusalem and inhabited by 269,996 settlers who form 5% of the total number of settlers residing in Israel.
Khalil Tafkaji, settlement expert and head of maps and land department at the Arab Studies Society, said that the Israeli settlement plan is a part of a settlement series for which about 3345 dunums of Palestinians’ lands were confiscated in 1968.
Tafkaji told the PIC reporter that the Israeli plan was endorsed in 1998 to build 190 new settlement housing units in the area on three phases. The first of which has been implemented and the second and the third are being conducted and expected to be finished in 2019.
With the increasing establishment of settlements, there have been over 29 settlements located within 112,000 dunums in Occupied Jerusalem and inhabited by 269,996 settlers who form 5% of the total number of settlers residing in Israel.
Khalil Tafkaji, settlement expert and head of maps and land department at the Arab Studies Society, said that the Israeli settlement plan is a part of a settlement series for which about 3345 dunums of Palestinians’ lands were confiscated in 1968.
Tafkaji told the PIC reporter that the Israeli plan was endorsed in 1998 to build 190 new settlement housing units in the area on three phases. The first of which has been implemented and the second and the third are being conducted and expected to be finished in 2019.