Construction in Maale Adumim
Photo: Doron Sheffer
Number of settlers on the rise
More than 6000 new settlers move into West Bank in second half of 2005, many for ideological reasons. Jewish population in region totals quarter million
The number of settlers in the West Bank area grew by 6000 during the second half of 2005, a report by the Population Registry revealed Wednesday.
According to statistics, the number of settlers in the region totaled 253,748 in 2005, with the largest settlement in the region being Maale Adumim, the home of 31,615 residents.
Sources at the Registry believe that the increase in the number of settlers is due not only to natural growth, but to ideological internal migration as well.
According to estimates, some of those who moved to the Judea and Samaria area out of ideological motivation in 2005, did so in response to the disengagement.
The other large communities in the West Bank, following Maale Adumim, include Modi'in Illit (30,425 residents), Betar Illit (27,147 residents) and Ariel (17,723 residents).
Interior Ministry registries further indicate that most of the settlers evacuated from their homes in the northern Samaria area as part of the pullout about four months ago, have yet to update their addresses with the Population Registry.
The Ministry has decided not to compel evacuees to change their addresses at this point, out of consideration and sensitivity, this while other citizens are required to vote in the voting station closest to the home address registered in their I.D.
