Israel legalises settler homes on Palestinian land

Settlements in both the West Bank and east Jerusalem are viewed as illegal under worldwide law and major stumbling blocks to peace as they are built on land the Palestinians want for their own state.

Ms Hanan Ashrawi, a senior member of the Palestine Liberation Organisation, the main Palestinian political umbrella body, said in a statement that the law gave settlers a green light to “embark on a land grab”.

The law retroactively legalizes the homes and would call for the compensation of the original landowners with either money or property, Fox reported.

The outposts were erected by ultra-right settlers without permits from the Israeli authorities, but the government often turned a blind eye to their construction.

Unlike his predecessor, President Trump has lavished praise on Israel, criticizing a UN Security Council resolution in December, which former President Obama allowed to pass, that declared settlements illegal.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was made to wait outside 10 Downing Street, ahead of his pressing talks with British premier Theresa May, on Tuesday.

On Monday the Israeli leader said he had informed the Trump White House that the legislation would be voted upon.

Before the bill was passed, Israel’s attorney general said that it was unconstitutional and that he would not be able to defend it.

The legislation was passed despite warnings by the Netanyahu-appointed Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit that its constitutionality could not be defended if challenged by Israel’s High Court of Justice.

The law has sparked heavy criticism both in Israel and overseas, with critics saying it amounts to legalized land theft. He added, “The law creates a de facto annexation contrary to all worldwide obligations of Israel”.

Last week, the Israeli forces clashed with the settlers while evicting them from the Amona outpost built on private Palestinian land in the West Bank.

European Union foreign police chief Federica Mogherini warned that “should it be implemented, the law would further entrench a one-state reality of unequal rights, perpetual occupation and conflict”.

Speaking on Israel’s army radio, Le Gal said the new law was taking Israel on “a path which is not leading to peace”. He had voiced his concern that the law may trigger global condemnation.

Mrs May’s official spokesman has said Monday’s talks will cover “a range of security and worldwide issues, including the Middle East peace process”, adding that “the continued increase in settlement activity undermines trust”.

May said at the start of the meeting that “we remain committed to a two-state solution as the best way of brokering stability and peace”.