Lieberman: Sasson should probe Arab W. Bank construction

Israel Beiteinu head: Illegal Palestinian building in Area C is many times worse than "unauthorized outposts."

By GIL STERN STERN HOFFMAN
talia sasson 298 (photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski [file])
talia sasson 298
(photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski [file])
Israel Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman wrote Prime Minister Ehud Olmert a letter on Sunday night, asking him to appoint attorney Tali Sasson to chair a committee investigating Arab building in the West Bank. Sasson wrote a report in 2005 on illegal building in unauthorized Jewish outposts. Lieberman wrote Olmert that the problem of illegal building in the West Bank was much more severe in Area C, which is controlled by Israel. He said he also wanted illegal Arab building in the Negev and Galilee regions to be probed. "The [illegal] Palestinian building in Area C is many times worse that in the 'unauthorized outposts,'" Lieberman wrote. "What is especially problematic is the illegal building on bypass roads, which endangers the lives of the Jews who live in the area." Sasson said she was "honored" by Lieberman's request, but did not take it seriously. "It's nice that Lieberman has such confidence in me," Sasson said. "That means he must also think my report on the outposts was professional. I didn't expect such compliments from him, but I welcome any new member to my fan club." Lieberman's associates responded that he was serious. They rejected accusations that the letter was sent in outrage at Olmert for advancing the process of removing outposts. "He didn't send the letter in anger," a source close to Lieberman said. "He just doesn't think the illegal building law should be enforced selectively."