Some evacuees may receive more money
צילום: עטא עוויסאת
Some settlers bargaining for funds
West Bank settlers slated for evacuation may receive more compensation if they leave willingly or settle in certain towns
TEL AVIV - Jewish settlers from two West Bank settlements slated for evacuation under Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s pullout plan could receive up to USD 30,000 in addition to the tens of thousands of dollars promised them as compensation if they leave their homes willingly ahead of the withdrawal, Israeli sources said.
Many residents of Ganim and Kadim, two of four West Bank enclaves Israel plans to dismantle after withdrawing from 21 settlements in Gaza this summer, have also been negotiating with government officials in recent days about receiving the extra funds if they relocate to certain Israeli "preferred" areas, such as the town of Afula.
Israeli sources say most of the 90 families who live in these communities are likely to relocate willingly before the start of the pullout this summer and many have signed compensation deals weeks ago.
Settlers slated for evacuation who leave their homes and commercial structures willingly are expected to receive up to USD 300,000 in government compensation.
Israeli officials have already begun evaluating possible locations to house the 8,500 Gaza settlers, including various agricultural towns. Some families have also signaled they would move on their own if the government “copies” their communities into Israel.
But many settlers and staunch right-wingers, who view the West Bank and Gaza as their biblical birthright, have vowed to resist the pullout.
Some of the more radical protesters have blocked main highways with burning tires in recent months and settler leaders plan to bring tens of thousands of supporters to Gush Katif, Gaza’s largest settlement bloc, on Wednesday for a mass demonstration.
