Israel advances bill to legalize West Bank outposts

A controversial draft law that could lead to the legalisation of almost 4,000 settler homes in the occupied West Bank passed a preliminary vote in Israel’s parliament on Monday.

The so-called “formalization” bill passed a preliminary reading in Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, Monday evening, a law that both its supporters and opponents say would pave the way to annexing the occupied West Bank.

“We call on those faithful to the land of Israel, who have stood by us until today, to join us at the outpost until such time as the law is amended, or until the day of demolition”, it concluded.

Netanyahu has said that the Palestinian refusal to recognise Israel as a Jewish state, and not the presence of settlements, is the main obstacle for a peace deal.

It then lists what those United States steps should be.

“There will be no advance and separate peace with the Arab world without the Palestinian process and Palestinian peace”, Kerry said.

PLO Executive Committee member Hanan Ashrawi called it a “legal travesty”.

The previous version of the bill, introduced by Jewish Home MK Shuli Moalem-Refaeli, would retroactively legalize Amona – and also set a precedent allowing the government to confiscate private Palestinian land. In February of that year, police and officials of the Civil Administration evacuated and razed nine buildings, facing down 4,000 Israeli protestors in a traumatic operation that saw dozens of people, including three MKs, injured. “The regulation Bill is the spearhead in applying sovereignty”. Additionally, the bill provides compensation for Palestinian landowners.

The Associated Press reported Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as saying his coalition wanted the initiative because “settlements are dear to us”.

But the question about the legality of the outposts has always been a controversy – even in Israel.

“I encourage Israeli legislators to reconsider this move”, he said.

“Whatever Israel claims, it’s a violation not just of global law but also of decency”, Xavier Abu Eid, a spokesman for the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO)’s negotiations department, told Anadolu Agency. “The land can be administered until the owners return”.

It followed a judgement by Israel’s Supreme Court that ordered the authorities to demolish Amona, one of the illegal outposts in the West Bank. The legal experts including Attorney General Dr. Avichai Mandelblit explain the bill including paragraph 7 will not stand the challenge of a High Court challenge. “Have no doubt: the settlement bill is leading the way to annexation”.