DOCSLIB.ORG

Israeli Settlement in the Occupied Territories

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Israeli Settlement in the Occupied Territories REPORT ON ISRAELI SETTLEMENT IN THE OCCUPIED TERRITORIES A Bimonthly Publication of the Foundation for Middle East Peace Volume 17 Number 1 January-February 2007 WORDS ALONE WILL NOT END OCCUPATION Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has choice between the entire land of to our Palestinian neighbors, hoping distinguished himself in his first year as Israel without a Jewish state, or a that it will not be rejected. Prime Minister by his unprecedented Jewish state without the entire land Olmert’s adoption of the Ben Gurion rhetorical support for a large-scale evac- of Israel—we chose a Jewish state model is instructive in another and per- uation of land and settlements in the without the entire land of Israel”. haps more telling way: Not only did West Bank. No Israeli leader since 1967 This historic choice made by Ben- Ben Gurion patent the “no partner” has been as forthright in invoking the Gurion at the conclusion of the war mantra of an era marked by stalemate need for an Israeli withdrawal from of independence was painful, but and war, it was Ben Gurion after all areas that Olmert himself long-consid- courageous, heart-wrenching, and who championed the policy—born in ered an integral part of Israel. But along sober. Cherished and beloved parts of the pre-state era—of creating territorial with his professed support for with- our homeland—the cradle of our his- facts on the ground as outposts marking drawal, Olmert, like Israel’s founding tory—remained beyond the border, the perimeter of what, in the aftermath prime minister, David Ben Gurion, has but a solid Jewish majority was guar- of the first war in Palestine, would used a ready and potent alibi—Arab anteed in the State of Israel. become the State of Israel. rejectionism—to explain his failure to Time passed, Arab animosity and Ben Gurion’s tenure was marked by do so. terrorism resulted in more war, and continuing enmity and conflict between In a November 2006 speech marking some 40 years ago, Israel was again Israel and its Arab neighbors, including a memorial ceremony for Ben Gurion faced with the difficult choice: many a slow-burning battle against Palestinian and his wife, Olmert said, good people advocated the vision of infiltration from the West Bank and Three years ago, in my capacity as Greater Israel. Gaza Strip, not unlike the current con- vice prime minister for Prime Minis- David Ben-Gurion, already a flict by attrition on the Gaza-Israel ter Ariel Sharon, I delivered a speech retired statesman, ruled that in frontier. This era of confrontation was here and quoted from David Ben- exchange for true peace, Israel must broken not by Ben Gurion—whose Gurion’s address at a 1949 Knesset relinquish a vast majority of the terri- legacy was one of state building, not debate on the armistice agreements, tories occupied in the Six Day War. peacemaking—but by Ben Gurion’s in which he said: Much has happened since then: facts political nemesis, Menachem Begin, “. when we were faced with the were established on the ground, who made peace with Egypt. agreements were signed, the interna- Like Ben Gurion, Olmert excels at tional and regional arena changed creating facts on the ground. Notwith- Please visit our website to see its beyond recognition. The bloody con- standing his rhetorical support for with- new look and improved navigation. flict with the Palestinians has not drawing from occupied territory, under Sign up to receive the Report by ended. Ben-Gurion’s basic diagnosis his watch, the settler population in the e-mail, to be notified of events in remained valid and continues to West Bank (excluding East Jerusalem) Washington, D.C., and more. Visit guide—with the necessary amend- increased by nearly 6 percent in 2006, us at www.fmep.org. ments—the position of Israeli gov- more than quadruple the 1.4 percent ernments in our peace policy today. growth rate in 2005. There were Also in this issue: Already at the time of Israel’s 268,379 Israelis living in the West Bank Jordan Valley Short Takes 3 birth, Ben-Gurion extended his hand at the end of 2006, according to the Settlement Time Line 4–6 in peace to the Arab nations. His Israeli Interior Ministry, compared to Short Takes 6 hand was rejected, but it remains extended. I extend my hand in peace WORDS ALONE, continued on page 7 TO OUR READERS FOUNDATION FOR MIDDLE EAST PEACE The rash of ad hominem criticism of for- 1967, it “chose to become a colonial society. mer president Jimmy Carter’s best-selling In effect, we established an apartheid Merle Thorpe, Jr. Palestine Peace Not Apartheid is the latest regime.” Founder example of the dedicated effort of Ameri- Israel is a troubled young nation that (1917–1994) can groups and individuals who describe deserves special respect because of the themselves as “pro-Israel” to discourage tragedies of Jewish history. Nevertheless, it Philip C. Wilcox, Jr. criticism of Israel’s policies toward the is a nation like others that is capable of President Palestinians. good and bad. It is a disservice to Israel Geoffrey Aronson Many of the attacks on Carter’s book and to the United States to shield Israel Director, Research and and charges that he is “anti-Israel” focus on from serious criticism of its domination of Publications, Editor, Report on his use of the words apartheid and colonial- its Palestinian neighbors, a policy that has Israeli Settlement in the Occupied Territories ism to describe Israeli policies in the occu- brought grief to Israelis as well as to pied territories. Yet few of his critics Palestinians. This reluctance enables Israel Nitzan Goldberger address the substance of his criticisms. to live in a bubble, freed from the con- Editorial Assistant Fewer still have acknowledged that his straints of international life. It also enables Matthew Skarzynski analysis mirrors regular criticism by Israeli its leaders to pursue policies that in today’s Intern journalists, historians, and politicians who world are considered unacceptable and are often use the terms apartheid and colonial- widely opposed by Israelis themselves as TRUSTEES ism to describe Israeli policies of settle- incompatible with Israel’s security and its ment, control, and separation in the occu- self-identity as a modern, Jewish, demo- Lucius D. Battle pied territories. For example, in 2002, cratic state. Landrum R. Bolling Michael BenYair, the attorney general of Calvin H. Cobb, Jr. Israel from 1993 to 1996, wrote that after James J. Cromwell Israel’s occupation of Palestinian lands in Peter Gubser Stephen Hartwell —————— ◆ —————— Richard S.T. Marsh Richard W. Murphy Jean C. Newsom Gail Pressberg William B. Quandt Nicholas A. Veliotes The Foundation, a non- profit I.R.C. 501(c)(3) organization, supports peace and security for Israelis and Palestinians through mutual recognition and a negotiated division of historic Pales- tine. It publishes the bi- monthly Report on Israeli Settlement in the Occupied Territories. Copyright © 2007 2 ❖ Report on Israeli Settlement January-February 2007 JORDAN VALLEY SHORT TAKES New Settlement Planned for Former Gaza Settlers Jordan Valley Settlement Population, 1983–2004 Soon after the Defense Ministry has approved the building of a new section of the settlement of 2004 2000 1995 1983 Maskiyot in the northern Jordan Valley, international Almog 142 167 107 57 opposition forced the ministry to freeze the plan. Argaman 166 164 157 100 Defense Minister Amir Peretz personally signed the Bet HaArava 69 55 27 N/A building permits for 30 new residential units there, Beqa’ot 152 144 143 150 marking the first time in almost a decade that Israel Gilgal 164 180 172 118 has formally (re-)established a new settlement in the Gittit 161 100 128 113 occupied territories. The settlement was initially Hamra 125 147 146 177 established in 1981 by a paramilitary (NAHAL) unit. Hemdat 120 N/A N/A N/A According to Arutz 7, there are already “several per- Kalya 260 260 252 102 manent residents living in a handful of buildings on Ma’ale Efraim 1,456 1,480 1,296 909 the site, as well as 50 religious students who attend a Massu’a 140 148 143 160 pre-military academy there.” Mehola 360 113 252 293 The plans include the construction of 30 houses Mekhora 119 306 112 133 intended for families who were evacuated from the Netiv haGedud 132 139 149 155 Katif bloc as part of the disengagement from Gaza in Niran53566399 August 2005, 20 families from the former Gaza set- No’omi 127 121 158 23 tlement of Shirat Hayam and another 10 families Peza’el 215 224 N/A N/A from other settlements in Gaza’s Katif bloc. The con- Ro’i 115 141 141 102 struction is the first phase of an expansion that will Rotem 24* N/A N/A N/A ultimately comprise 100 residential units. Dozens of Shadmot Mehola 517 399 309 N/A families of evacuees from Gush Katif are reported to Tomer 296 308 303 153 want to come to live in the new settlement. Vered Yericho 161 164 139 151 Nadav Shragai, Ha’aretz, December 26, 2006; Yafit 101 125 87 75 Hana Levi Julian, “Peretz May Cave to International Yitav 141 114 77 37 Pressure and Nix Maskiot Housing,” Arutz 7, January Total 5,292 5,055 4,361 3,107 1, 2007; Daniel Ben Simon, Ha’aretz, January 5, 2007 ————————————— *2003 data. Sources: “List of Localities: Their Population and Codes,” 12.31.1999; 12.31.2004; “List of Localities: Geographic Characteristics, and IDF Stops 2,000 Palestinians Returning to Jordan Population, 1948–1995,” 1995.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • At the Supreme Court Sitting As the High Court of Justice
    Disclaimer: The following is a non-binding translation of the original Hebrew document. It is provided by HaMoked: Center for the Defence of the Individual for information purposes only. The original Hebrew prevails in any case of discrepancy. While every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy, HaMoked is not liable for the proper and complete translation nor does it accept any liability for the use of, reliance on, or for any errors or misunderstandings that may derive from the English translation. For queries about the translation please contact [email protected] At the Supreme Court HCJ 5839/15 Sitting as the High Court of Justice HCJ 5844/15 1. _________ Sidr 2. _________ Tamimi 3. _________ Al Atrash 4. _________ Tamimi 5. _________ A-Qanibi 6. _________ Taha 7. _________ Al Atrash 8. _________ Taha 9. HaMoked: Center for the Defence of the Individual, founded by Dr. Lotte Salzberger - RA Represented by counsel, Adv. Andre Rosenthal 15 Salah a-Din St., Jerusalem Tel: 6250458, Fax: 6221148; cellular: 050-5910847 The Petitioners in HCJ 5839/15 1. Anonymous 2. Anonymous 3. Anonymous 4. HaMoked: Center for the Defence of the Individual, founded by Dr. Lotte Salzberger – RA Represented by counsel, Adv. Michal Pomeranz et al. 10 Huberman St. Tel Aviv-Jaffa 6407509 Tel: 03-5619666; Fax: 03-6868594 The Petitioners in HCJ 5844/15 v. Military Commander of the West Bank Area Represented by the State Attorney's Office Ministry of Justice, Jerusalem Tel: 02-6466008; Fax: 02-6467011 The Respondent in HCJ 5839/15 1. Military Commander of the West Bank Area 2.
    [Show full text]
  • Israel's National Religious and the Israeli- Palestinian Conflict
    Leap of Faith: Israel’s National Religious and the Israeli- Palestinian Conflict Middle East Report N°147 | 21 November 2013 International Crisis Group Headquarters Avenue Louise 149 1050 Brussels, Belgium Tel: +32 2 502 90 38 Fax: +32 2 502 50 38 [email protected] Table of Contents Executive Summary ................................................................................................................... i Recommendations..................................................................................................................... iv I. Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 1 II. Religious Zionism: From Ascendance to Fragmentation ................................................ 5 A. 1973: A Turning Point ................................................................................................ 5 B. 1980s and 1990s: Polarisation ................................................................................... 7 C. The Gaza Disengagement and its Aftermath ............................................................. 11 III. Settling the Land .............................................................................................................. 14 A. Bargaining with the State: The Kookists ................................................................... 15 B. Defying the State: The Hilltop Youth ........................................................................ 17 IV. From the Hills to the State ..............................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • View Daily Report
    Israeli Violations' Activities in the oPt 16 May 2016 The daily report highlights the violations behind Israeli home demolitions and demolition threats The Violations are based on in the occupied Palestinian territory, the reports provided by field workers confiscation and razing of lands, the uprooting and\or news sources. and destruction of fruit trees, the expansion of The text is not quoted directly settlements and erection of outposts, the brutality from the sources but is edited for of the Israeli Occupation Army, the Israeli settlers clarity. violence against Palestinian civilians and properties, the erection of checkpoints, the The daily report does not construction of the Israeli segregation wall and necessarily reflect ARIJ’s opinion. the issuance of military orders for the various Israeli purposes. Brutality of the Israeli Occupation Army Israeli Occupation Army (IOA) opened fire at Palestinian farmers while they were working in their land, near the border fence, at the eastern part of Gaza city. (Wafa 16 May 2016) Israeli Occupation Army (IOA) stormed and searched dozens of Palestinian houses in Deir Al ‘Asal village, southwest of Hebron city. One of the targeted house is owned by Ibrahim Ash-Shawamrah. (RB2000 16 May 2016) 1 Israeli Occupation Army (IOA) raided and searched four Palestinian houses in Al ‘Asakira village, east of Bethlehem city. The targeted houses are owned by: Adel Ahmed ‘Asakra, Karem ‘Asakra, Nasri ‘Asakra, Nasser ‘Asakra. (RB2000 16 May 2016) Ahmed Omar Abu ‘Amar (32 years) was injured after the Israeli Occupation Army (IOA) opened fire at him while he was in Wadi Abu Al Humos area between Al Khas and An-Nu’man villages, east of Bethlehem city.
    [Show full text]
  • Israeli Settlements in the Jordan Valley
    Ü Bisan UV90 Givat Sa'alit UV60 Mechola The Occupied Shadmot Mehola Jordan Valley Rotem Tayasir (Northern Area) Occupied Palestine (West Bank) Maskiot Hemdat Ro'i Beka'ot UV57 UV90 Hamra Overview Hamra Jordan Valley Area 1948 Armatice Line Palestinian Communities UV57 Main & Bypass road Argaman Regional road Mechora Jk Crossing Points Israeli Settlements Built up area (Closed by Israel in 2000) Permeter Cultivated land UV60 Municipal boundries UV57 Massu'a Israeli Administrative Restrictions Damiya Gittit Interim Agreement Areas Area A Ma'ale Efrayim Jordan Area B Area C Closed Military Areas Ma'ale Efraim UV60 Yafit Israeli Physical Access Restrictions Ç !¬ Green Line checkpoint Ç !¬ Checkpoint Petza'el !Ǭ Partial Checkpoint ") Roadblock # Earthmound GÌ Road gate - closed GÌ Road gate - open Tomer DD DD DD DD DD DD Road barrier DDDDDDDDDD Earthwall Trench Gilgal Israeli Segregation Barrier Netiv Hagedud Constructed Under Construction Projected Niran Kochav Hashachar Ahavat Hayim Mitzpe Keramim Ma'ale Shlomo Yitav Rimmonim Jenin Yitav ( Al Auja) Tubas Omer Farm Tulkarm Nablus Mevo'ot Jericho Na'ama Tel Aviv-Yaffo Salfit Allenby / King Hussein Ramallah UV60 Jericho Jericho East Jerusalem Jericho Bethlehem Hebron UV90 Vered Yericho Givat Barkay Beit Holga - Mul Nevo Mitzpe Yericho Beit Ha`arava Kilometers 0 1 2 4 6 8 1 Dead Sea Ü UV90 Allenby / King Hussein Jericho UV90 The Occupied Jordan Valley Vered Yericho Givat Barkay Beit Holga - Mul Nevo (Southern Area) Occupied Palestine Mitzpe Yericho (West Bank) UV90 Beit Ha`arava Dead Sea Almog
    [Show full text]
  • The Economic Base of Israel's Colonial Settlements in the West Bank
    Palestine Economic Policy Research Institute The Economic Base of Israel’s Colonial Settlements in the West Bank Nu’man Kanafani Ziad Ghaith 2012 The Palestine Economic Policy Research Institute (MAS) Founded in Jerusalem in 1994 as an independent, non-profit institution to contribute to the policy-making process by conducting economic and social policy research. MAS is governed by a Board of Trustees consisting of prominent academics, businessmen and distinguished personalities from Palestine and the Arab Countries. Mission MAS is dedicated to producing sound and innovative policy research, relevant to economic and social development in Palestine, with the aim of assisting policy-makers and fostering public participation in the formulation of economic and social policies. Strategic Objectives Promoting knowledge-based policy formulation by conducting economic and social policy research in accordance with the expressed priorities and needs of decision-makers. Evaluating economic and social policies and their impact at different levels for correction and review of existing policies. Providing a forum for free, open and democratic public debate among all stakeholders on the socio-economic policy-making process. Disseminating up-to-date socio-economic information and research results. Providing technical support and expert advice to PNA bodies, the private sector, and NGOs to enhance their engagement and participation in policy formulation. Strengthening economic and social policy research capabilities and resources in Palestine. Board of Trustees Ghania Malhees (Chairman), Ghassan Khatib (Treasurer), Luay Shabaneh (Secretary), Mohammad Mustafa, Nabeel Kassis, Radwan Shaban, Raja Khalidi, Rami Hamdallah, Sabri Saidam, Samir Huleileh, Samir Abdullah (Director General). Copyright © 2012 Palestine Economic Policy Research Institute (MAS) P.O.
    [Show full text]
  • November 2014 Al-Malih Shaqed Kh
    Salem Zabubah Ram-Onn Rummanah The West Bank Ta'nak Ga-Taybah Um al-Fahm Jalameh / Mqeibleh G Silat 'Arabunah Settlements and the Separation Barrier al-Harithiya al-Jalameh 'Anin a-Sa'aidah Bet She'an 'Arrana G 66 Deir Ghazala Faqqu'a Kh. Suruj 6 kh. Abu 'Anqar G Um a-Rihan al-Yamun ! Dahiyat Sabah Hinnanit al-Kheir Kh. 'Abdallah Dhaher Shahak I.Z Kfar Dan Mashru' Beit Qad Barghasha al-Yunis G November 2014 al-Malih Shaqed Kh. a-Sheikh al-'Araqah Barta'ah Sa'eed Tura / Dhaher al-Jamilat Um Qabub Turah al-Malih Beit Qad a-Sharqiyah Rehan al-Gharbiyah al-Hashimiyah Turah Arab al-Hamdun Kh. al-Muntar a-Sharqiyah Jenin a-Sharqiyah Nazlat a-Tarem Jalbun Kh. al-Muntar Kh. Mas'ud a-Sheikh Jenin R.C. A'ba al-Gharbiyah Um Dar Zeid Kafr Qud 'Wadi a-Dabi Deir Abu Da'if al-Khuljan Birqin Lebanon Dhaher G G Zabdah לבנון al-'Abed Zabdah/ QeiqisU Ya'bad G Akkabah Barta'ah/ Arab a-Suweitat The Rihan Kufeirit רמת Golan n 60 הגולן Heights Hadera Qaffin Kh. Sab'ein Um a-Tut n Imreihah Ya'bad/ a-Shuhada a a G e Mevo Dotan (Ganzour) n Maoz Zvi ! Jalqamus a Baka al-Gharbiyah r Hermesh Bir al-Basha al-Mutilla r e Mevo Dotan al-Mughayir e t GNazlat 'Isa Tannin i a-Nazlah G d Baqah al-Hafira e The a-Sharqiya Baka al-Gharbiyah/ a-Sharqiyah M n a-Nazlah Araba Nazlat ‘Isa Nazlat Qabatiya הגדה Westהמערבית e al-Wusta Kh.
    [Show full text]
  • Moving-Nowhere.Pdf
    MA’AN Development Center MOVINGMOVING NOWHERE: FIRING ZONES AND FORCIBLE TRANSFER IN THE JORDAN VALLEY NOWHERE FIRING ZONES AND FORCIBLE TRANSFER IN THE JORDAN VALLEY 1 2 MOVINGMOVING NOWHERE: FIRING ZONES AND FORCIBLE TRANSFER IN THE JORDAN VALLEY NOWHERE FIRING ZONES AND FORCIBLE TRANSFER IN THE JORDAN VALLEY 2015 3 Table of Contents Introduction 3 Physical Security 6 Eviction Orders And Demolition Orders 10 Psychological Security 18 Livelihood Reductions 22 Environmental Concerns 24 Water 26 Settler Violence 28 Isuues Faced By Other Communities In Area C 32 International Humanitarian Law 36 Conclusion 40 Photo by Hamza Zbiedat Hamza by Photo 4 Moving Nowhere Introduction Indirect and direct forcible transfer is currently at the forefront of Israel’s ideological agenda in area C. Firing zones, initially established as a means of land control, are now being used to create an environment so hostile that Palestinians are forced to leave the area or live in conditions of deteriorating security. re-dating the creation of the state of Israel, there was an ideological agenda within Pcertain political spheres predicated on the notion that Israel should exist from the sea to the Jordan River. Upon creation of the State the subsequent governments sought to establish this notion. This has resulted in an uncompromising programme of colonisation, ethnic cleansing and de-development in Palestine. The conclusion of the six day war in 1967 marked the beginning of the ongoing occupation, under which the full force of the ideological agenda has been extended into the West Bank. Israel has continuously led projects and policies designed to appropriate vast amounts of Palestinian land in the West Bank, despite such actions being illegal under international law.
    [Show full text]
  • The Springs of Gush Etzion Nature Reserve Nachal
    What are Aqueducts? by the Dagan Hill through a shaft tunnel some 400 meters long. In addition to the two can see parts of the “Arub Aqueduct”, the ancient monastery of Dir al Banat (Daughters’ settlement was destroyed during the Bar Kochba revolt. The large winepress tells of around. The spring was renovated in memory of Yitzhak Weinstock, a resident of WATER OF GUSH ETZION From the very beginning, Jerusalem’s existence hinged on its ability to provide water aqueducts coming from the south, Solomon’s pools received rainwater that had been Monastery) located near the altered streambed, and reach the ancient dam at the foot THE SPRINGS OF GUSH ETZION settlement here during Byzantine times. After visiting Hirbat Hillel, continue on the path Alon Shvut, murdered on the eve of his induction into the IDF in 1993. After visiting from which you \turned right, and a few meters later turn right again, leading to the Ein Sejma, descend to the path below and turn left until reaching Dubak’s pool. Built A hike along the aqueducts in the "Pirim" (Shafts) for its residents. Indeed, during the Middle Canaanite period (17th century BCE), when gathered in the nearby valley as well as the water from four springs running at the sides of the British dam. On top of the British dam is a road climbing from the valley eastwards Start: Bat Ayin Israel Trail maps: Map #9 perimeter road around the community of Bat Ayin. Some 200 meters ahead is the Ein in memory of Dov (Dubak) Weinstock (Yitzhak’s father) Dubak was one of the first Jerusalem first became a city, its rulers had to contend with this problem.
    [Show full text]
  • The Israeli Colonization Activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory During the 3Rd Quarter of 2017 (July- September) / 2017
    Applied Research Institute - Jerusalem (ARIJ) & Land Research Center – Jerusalem (LRC) [email protected] | http://www.arij.org [email protected] | http://www.lrcj.org The Israeli Colonization Activities in the occupied Palestinian Territory during the 3rd Quarter of 2017 (July- September) / 2017 July to September 2017 The Quarterly report highlights the This presentation is prepared as part of the project entitled chronology of events concerning the “Addressing the Geopolitical Israeli Violations in the West Bank and the Changes in the Occupied Gaza Strip, the confiscation and razing of Palestinian Territory”, which lands, the uprooting and destruction of fruit is financially supported by the trees, the expansion of settlements and EU and SDC. However, the erection of outposts, the brutality of the contents of this presentation Israeli Occupation Army, the Israeli settlers are the sole responsibility of violence against Palestinian civilians and ARIJ and do not necessarily properties, the erection of checkpoints, the reflect those of the donors construction of the Israeli segregation wall and the issuance of military orders for the various Israeli purposes. 1 Applied Research Institute - Jerusalem (ARIJ) & Land Research Center – Jerusalem (LRC) [email protected] | http://www.arij.org [email protected] | http://www.lrcj.org Map 1: The Israeli Segregation Plan in the occupied Palestinian Territory 2 Applied Research Institute - Jerusalem (ARIJ) & Land Research Center – Jerusalem (LRC) [email protected] | http://www.arij.org [email protected] | http://www.lrcj.org Bethlehem Governorate (July 2017 - September 2017) Israeli Violations in Bethlehem Governorate during the Month of July 2017 • Israeli Occupation Army (IOA) assaulted and injured two Palestinian journalists; Raid Sharif and Radi Karama, while they were reporting the Israeli violations near Mazmoriya military checkpoint, east of Bethlehem city.
    [Show full text]
  • 78% of Construction Was in “Isolated Settlements”*
    Peace Now’s Annual Settlement Construction Report for 2017 Construction Starts in Settlements were 17% Above Average in 2017 78% of Construction was in “Isolated Settlements”* Settlement Watch, Peace Now Key findings – Construction in the West Bank, 2017 (East Jerusalem excluded) 1 According to Peace Now's count, 2,783 new housing units began construction in 2017, around 17% higher than the yearly average rate since 2009.2 78% (2,168 housing units) of the new construction was in settlements east of the proposed Geneva Initiative border, i.e. settlements that are likely to be evicted in a two-state agreement. 36% (997 housing units) of the new construction was in areas that are east of the route of the separation barrier. Another 46% (1,290 units) was between the built and the planned route of the fence. Only 18% was west of the built fence. At least 10% (282 housing units) of the construction was illegal according to the Israeli laws applied in the Occupied Territories (regardless of the illegality of all settlements according to the international law). Out of those, 234 units (8% of the total construction) were in illegal outposts. The vast majority of the new construction, 91% (2,544 housing units), was for permanent structures, while that the remainder 9% were new housing units in the shape of mobile homes both in outposts and in settlements. 68 new public buildings (such as schools, synagogues etc.) started to be built, alongside 69 structures for industry or agriculture. Advancement of Plans and Tenders (January-December 2017) 6,742 housing units were advanced through promotions of plans for settlements, in 59 different settlements (compared to 2,657 units in 2016).
    [Show full text]
  • The Purpose of This Paper Is to Assess Various Unilateral Evacuation
    CONFIDENTIAL NOT FOR CIRCULATION MEMORANDUM TO: DR. SAEB ERAKAT FROM: NSU SETTLEMENTS FILE SUBJECT: PRE-PERMANENT STATUS SETTLEMENT EVACUATIONS (PART I): AN ASSESSMENT OF EXISTING PROPOSALS DATE: 30 APRIL 2006 The purpose of this paper is to assess various unilateral evacuation proposals put forth thus far, including Kadima’s “convergence” plan, and their implications for Palestinian interests. I. BACKGROUND Since the evacuation of some 8,500 Israeli settlers from Gaza and four small West Bank settlements as part of Sharon’s unilateral “disengagement” plan, there are growing indications that Israel may seek to carry out further settlement evacuations (as distinct from military withdrawals or redeployments) on a unilateral basis. While a negotiated settlement evacuation remains the preferred strategic option for Palestinians, the growing acceptability of Israeli unilateralism in Israel and abroad suggests that Palestinians may be forced to prepare for the possibility of further disengagement-type evacuations prior to (or instead of) permanent status negotiations, most likely in the context of a “state with provisional borders”. Many in Israel and elsewhere appear to view further unilateral settlement evacuations with increasing favor, particularly if Israeli and/or international confidence in the PA continues to wane. A recent poll shows that a slight majority of Israelis (51%) would favor further unilateral ‘disengagement-type’ evacuations by Israel in the event of the Palestinian leadership’s inability to negotiate or deliver a permanent status deal.1 Indeed, Israeli and international support for unilateralism may now be even higher following Hamas’s recent election victory. A number of unilateral evacuation proposals have already been put forward since the Gaza evacuation, by both the Israeli “left” and “center”.
    [Show full text]
  • A Threshold Crossed Israeli Authorities and the Crimes of Apartheid and Persecution WATCH
    HUMAN RIGHTS A Threshold Crossed Israeli Authorities and the Crimes of Apartheid and Persecution WATCH A Threshold Crossed Israeli Authorities and the Crimes of Apartheid and Persecution Copyright © 2021 Human Rights Watch All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America ISBN: 978-1-62313-900-1 Cover design by Rafael Jimenez Human Rights Watch defends the rights of people worldwide. We scrupulously investigate abuses, expose the facts widely, and pressure those with power to respect rights and secure justice. Human Rights Watch is an independent, international organization that works as part of a vibrant movement to uphold human dignity and advance the cause of human rights for all. Human Rights Watch is an international organization with staff in more than 40 countries, and offices in Amsterdam, Beirut, Berlin, Brussels, Chicago, Geneva, Goma, Johannesburg, London, Los Angeles, Moscow, Nairobi, New York, Paris, San Francisco, Sydney, Tokyo, Toronto, Tunis, Washington DC, and Zurich. For more information, please visit our website: http://www.hrw.org APRIL 2021 ISBN: 978-1-62313-900-1 A Threshold Crossed Israeli Authorities and the Crimes of Apartheid and Persecution Map .................................................................................................................................. i Summary ......................................................................................................................... 2 Definitions of Apartheid and Persecution .................................................................................
    [Show full text]