Settlers, state to reach compromise over outpost eviction?
Defense Ministry, settlers from Ramat Gilad negotiating deal to prevent demolition of outpost; compromise to include relocation of five structures built on Palestinian land
No eviction? Settlers from the West Bank outpost of Ramat Gilad and Defense Ministry officials are working on a compromise that will prevent the looming demolition of the outpost, Ynet learned on Monday.
According to sources privy to the negotiations, the compromise will see five structures that are currently located on private Palestinian land shifted a few meters closer to the outpost itself, supposedly preventing the eviction.
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One of the sources stressed that no agreements has been reached as of yet, adding that the sides are still deliberating the matter.
Another source said that the ministry "is trying to keep a low profile until the agreement is actually signed," but expressed hope that a decision "will be reached soon."
The State has been ordered by the High Court of Justice to raze Ramat Gilad by the end of 2011, but authorities have been trying to negotiate with the settlers in order to have them willfully leave the outpost.
Despite ongoing negotiations, riots erupted in the area last week, after settlers suspected that the IDF is planning to evict the outpost.
Last week, the GOC Central Command decided to stop securing the illegal outpost following the harassment of several female soldiers by the settlers.
Ramat Gilad was secured by the IDF as part of its routine community protection deployment in the area. Once the force was pulled out, the outpost's 10 families began handling their security independently.
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