Entire outposts, not just structures, in the West Bank will be razed as planned.
By JPOST STAFF, JOSH BRANNONsettlement 298.88(photo credit: www.jerusalemites.org)
The defense ministry has denied reports on Wednesday afternoon that Defense Minister Amir Peretz ordered the destruction of illegally built structures in the West Bank, and not entire outposts.
According to reports released on Wednesday morning, Peretz backtracked on previous plans to remove the illegal outposts, and instead instructed security forces to focus on individual structures inside the outposts, which had recently been built on Palestinian land.
Lieberman slams Peretz on outposts
"The defense minister stands by his decision to act decisively against illegal outposts and buildings. He wants to give the settlers time to willfully evacuate the illegal outposts," an offical from the defense ministry told the Jerusalem Post.
Last week, Peretz gave the Yesha Council a deadline for next Monday to evacuate voluntarily.
Among sites slated for demolition is the Ma'on Farm on Mt. Hebron, and Ronen Farm near the Samaria settlement of Bracha and four structures in Psagot, which were recently built on private Palestinian land.
According to the new instructions, police would be responsible for tearing down the buildings, while soldiers would provide backup for the operations.
Sources in the defense establishment expressed concern that the destruction of the buildings would trigger violent protests, despite the fact that the illegal settlements and outposts were being permitted to remain.
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