'Delimitation orders' issued for 9 outposts

After years of unrealized and invalid orders, Civil Administration declares West Bank outpost residents lawbreakers, warns them of possible evacuation. Settlers launch 'price tag' protest by hurling stones at Palestinian vehicles

Efrat Weiss

Published: 05.25.09, 12:49 / Israel News

Another move ahead of outpost evacuation? The Civil Administration issued nine 'delimitation orders' to nine illegal West Bank outposts, warning its residents of a possible evacuation. The orders refer to all those residing in the area as lawbreakers, but does not state a date for an evacuation.

The outposts in question are Mitzpe Yitzhar, Mitzpe Assad, Givat Hadegel (Ramat Gilad), Givat Haroe, Ma'ale Rehavam, Mitzpe Lachish, Yitzhar South, Hazon David and Kiryat Arba-Hebron.

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In the coming days, the Civil Administration is expected to issue similar orders for four or five additional outposts.

The fate of the six first outposts on the list is still being discussed in various High Court petitions. Delimitation orders have been issued for all of them in the past, with the latest order released in 2007. In the meantime, the orders have expired and must be renewed.

The settlers have the right to appeal the orders and request a hearing procedure at the Civil Administration. This procedure has taken place in the past in regards to some of the outposts, but now – with the release of new orders – settlers will be able to file new appeals.

Dozens of settlers began protesting the latest move on Monday morning. The Samaria District Police detained six right-wing activists for questioning on suspicion of hurling stones at Palestinian vehicles at the Yitzhar Junction in the West Bank.

"This is the price tag policy," the rightists and settlers said in response to the orders.

The action against the settlers is taking place on the backdrop of a possible resumption of peace negotiations with the Palestinians, and the United State's demand for a complete freeze in settlement construction.

Despite the American demand, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Sunday that "while we will not authorize the construction of new settlements, it would be unfair not to accommodate natural (population) growth."

Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said that "if Israel must evacuate outposts, this should be done as part of a comprehensive initiative and according to an organized plan."

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