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Moshe Gafni
Photo: Gil Yohanan
Construction in east Jerusalem
Photo: AP

Freeze victims to be compensated

State announces allocation of initial sum to those affected by halt in West Bank settlements

The Finance Ministry has allocated an initial sum of NIS 30 million (roughly $8 million) as a retainer for compensation the State will pay to those affected by the construction freeze in the West Bank, a ministry representative told the Knesset's Finance Committee Monday.

 

The final sum has not yet been determined. Deputy Attorney General Mike Balas noted that the Finance Ministry will publish its regulations for eligibility for compensation by the end of the week.

 

A representative on behalf of the Construction and Housing Ministry said that the freeze of some of the structures has been lifted for the present time, and that there is no clear prediction regarding the extent of compensations.

 

Chairman of the Knesset's Finance Committee, MK Moshe Gafni (United Torah Judaism) said during a committee debate that no communication between the various ministries was apparent and that the injured parties have no one to turn to in order to inquire about the sums to which they are entitled.

 

"I harshly criticize the government for its inappropriate conduct, morally and humanly," he said.

 

Attorney Balas stated during the debate that the attorney general's bureau will establish a special procedure for the freeze victims, which will determine the sum of damages to be paid, in order to avoid complex and extended court procedures as part of subsequent suits seeking compensation.

 

MK Zeev Elkin (Likud) sought clarification as to the terms of eligibility, such as whether house owners also entitled to payment, but was not given a clear answer.

 

Elkin noted that under the current vague situation the courts' involvement could not be prevented.

 

Last week the defense establishment's legal advisor announced the expected release of a revised freeze order.

 

The Finance Committee learned Monday from the Civil Administration that the according to the new order the extent of the freeze had been reduced.

 

An additional debate will be held next week, and Gafni has demanded that the criteria for compensation eligibility be presented.

 

He further noted that the Finance Ministry must be informed of the freeze's extent, which should be preformed in a coordinated manner.

 


פרסום ראשון: 01.12.10, 15:16
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