Settlements violate West Bank building freeze
SETTLEMENTS in the West Bank have violated the construction freeze, according to Israel's Defence Ministry.
JERUSALEM — Some 29 West Bank settlements have violated the construction freeze, according to Israel’s Defence Ministry.
Deputy Defence Minister Matan Vilnai has released a list of the settlements that have continued construction despite a 10-month freeze announced in late November by Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu.
Peace Now said on February 15 that it had identified five additional settlements that also have continued building despite the freeze.
The freeze, which does not cover buildings for which a foundation had already been laid before its start, was announced in a bid to bring the Palestinians to the peace negotiating table, but the Palestinians have refused to resume negotiations until all construction in all settlements and eastern Jerusalem is halted.
Vilnai said officials have attempted to enforce the freeze in the settlements listed as violators, including issuing demolition and stop work orders. Other measures could be taken, he said.
Construction equipment also has been confiscated.
JTA
comments