BICOM

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu consulted with Defence Minister Ehud Barak and Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein yesterday and decided to immediately dismantle all illegal settlement outposts build on privately-owned Palestinian land. Netanyahu will submit the decision to the High Court of Justice in response to 15 petitions calling for the outposts to be removed. The decision will apply to three outposts, where around 100 families are living.

 

In related events, PM Netanyahu told his Likud faction yesterday that Israel could not ignore the growing international pressure over settlement construction in the West Bank. He added that it took a great effort to get the US to veto a resolution at the UN recently regarding West Bank settlements, and said that Israel should refrain from any new construction plans in the West Bank.

 

Meanwhile, security forces evacuated the illegal outpost of Havat Gilad in the West Bank yesterday. Eight settlers were arrested during the evacuation. Settlers accused the Border Police of using rubber bullets to disperse the residents, while the Police said paintball guns were used in accordance with the rules of engagement. Around 100 pro-settler demonstrators gathered in Jerusalem later in the day to protest the evacuation. Police officers dispersed the crowd and detained 20 protesters.