_a.jpg "צילום: חגית עפרן, שלום עכשיו")
Building in Kiryat Netafim
Photo: Hagit Afran, Peace Now
State: Kiryat Netafim construction to continue
Brief filed in response to Peace Now petition asking 15 buildings in West Bank settlement be razed says government decided to go ahead with community's zoning plans prior to decision on settlement freeze
The State informed the High Court Wednesday that the government has decided to forge ahead with the planning of 15 permanent structures in the West Bank settlement of Kiryat Netafim.
The statement was made following a Peace Now petition to have the structures in question razed. Construction in Kiryat Netafim began months before the cabinet announced the settlement freeze.
The August petition cited the structures were built on public land and on private Palestinian land, and that all 15 were lacking the necessary building permits.
The State claims that Kiryat Netafim's zoning plans were filed in 2000, with the aim of reclassifying its legal status; but the plans have yet to be approved.
The State further said that the government decided to go ahead with the zoning plans in order to resolve any future questions regarding the community's legal standing.
The State also asked the court to deny the petition, adding that it had no objection to the interim order issued, preventing anyone from inhabiting the buildings, pending a final decision in the matter.
