Israeli attorney general regularizes West Bank outpost, infuriates left
Foreign Minister Yair Lapid sent Prime Minister Naftali Bennett an angry letter, protesting against the clandestine regularization of the illegal Evyatar West Bank outpost.
The center-left members of the ruling coalition in Israel found themselves facing a conundrum recently, which continues to threaten the very stability of the government. At stake is the legalization of the illegal Evyatar West Bank outpost, located just south of Nablus on lands allegedly belonging to three Palestinian villages.
The outpost was first established in 2013, but demolished by Israeli authorities. It was reestablished illegally about a year ago, in May 2021, when Hamas fired more than 4,000 rockets at Israel, and as a reaction to a deadly terror attack nearby. It was partially evacuated a few weeks later after negotiations with the settlers, with the understanding that the land’s legal status would be reassessed before a final decision is made.
Since then, a new government has come to power and inherited the legacy of Netanyahu’s right-wing policies. Center-left parties like Meretz, Labor and Yesh Atid all joined the coalition with the understanding that the evacuation order would remain in place, while right-wing parties fought to legalize the site.
It became clear last week that the right had the advantage. In his final days in office, outgoing Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit signed a legal brief that effectively legalized the settlement. Based on this document, the process to approve construction of a permanent settlement on the site could begin. The final decision now lies with Defense Minister Benny Gantz, who is responsible for determining the status of land, including state lands, upon which the settlers can build. Should he decide to approve the decision, the public will then have 45 days to appeal. If these appeals are rejected, Gantz and Prime Minister Naftali Bennett will have the final say on the matter.
