Peretz signs outpost eviction orders
Defense minister renews document originated last Knesset term by Sharon, Mofaz to clear 12 illegal outposts in West Bank. Peace Now not enthused: If he really wanted to evacuate outposts, he would set date with army
Defense Minister Amir Peretz renewed evacuation orders for a list of 12 illegal outposts in throughout Judea and Samaria Wednesday night, as directed by Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.
Peretz’s signature on the document renews the evacuation order in the new governmental term, and allows the immediate clearing of the 12 outposts. Former Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz and former PM Ariel Sharon originated the document during the last government’s tenure, but the outposts had not yet been evacuated.
The list includes Ramat Gilad, Givat Assaf, Maaleh Rehavam, Mitzpeh Lakhish, Givat Haroeh, Yitzhar Darom, Hazon David and Mitzpeh Yitzhar.
Recently the Peace Now movement filed a petition with the High Court of Justice demanding the court obligate the state to evacuate the settlements. The deliberations are meant to take place next week.
Peretz’s signing of the eviction decree does not necessarily indicate that the evacuations will be carried out soon, but rather extends the applicability of the document.
Peace Now skeptical
Peace Now members were not quick to celebrate Peretz’s move. “If Peretz really wanted to evacuate the outposts, he would be setting a date with the IDF. The signature … means the outposts might stay there for two more years,” members of Peace Now said.
In the past, a previous document had been drafted and signed declaring the areas closed military zones, which would block the areas to settlers. However, the move was never carried out, due to various petitions to the High Court as well as the fact that settlers from other areas moved into the outposts slated for evacuation to form a resistance. The illegal outposts are located on Palestinian land, and most of them are inhabited by few residents and are comprised of a small number of caravans.
Upon entering his position, Peretz had declared the he would act with determination against illegal outposts. In addition, roughly one month ago the Civil Authority revealed that it was mapping out all outposts in the territories and was working on a plan to evacuate and demolish the illegal structures.
