State: Razing of Amona outpost by end of 2012

State Prosecutor's Office informs HCJ it plans to order West Bank outpost be demolished by end of next year; Netanyahu, Barak seek peaceful evictions

Aviad Glickman|Published: 11.10.11 , 15:22

The State Prosecutor's Office has informed the High Court of Justice on Thursday it plans to order the eviction of the West Bank outpost of Amona be completed by end of December 2012.

Only a couple of weeks ago the State Prosecutor's Office hinted that despite the illegal construction on the premises, it will not be evicted at this time. The State's brief stressed that while the state was not shrugging off the need to enforce zoning and construction directives in the West Bank, evicting Amona was a relatively low priority.

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Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Barak have asked the Supreme Court on Thursday to give them an extension so they might be able to reach an understanding about the Amona and Givat Assaf razing.

Settlers rally in Amona in 2006 (Photo: Reuters )

The State noted it believes it will be able to solve the issue peacefully by the end of 2012.

The State's announcement also claimed that the tearing down of illegal structures in the West Bank is a diplomatic issue, and therefore the political considerations also effect the verdict's enforcement in the area.

As for the other six outposts built on private land in the West Bank, the State has informed the HCJ it has begun work to clear out the structures with the residents' consent. Civil Administration officials have reportedly met with local council heads in the areas intended to be razed.

In regards to the demolition of Givat Assaf, the State told the HCJ it is currently in talks with the outpost's representatives, asking them to clear out by July 1 2012.

Yair Altman contributed to this report