PRESS REPORTS PORTEND DEMOLITION OF ILLEGAL

C O N F I D E N T I A L TEL AVIV 004043 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/26/2016 TAGS: PREL PGOV KWBG IS SUBJECT: PRESS REPORTS PORTEND DEMOLITION OF ILLEGAL OUTPOST CONSTRUCTION Classified By: Charge d'Affaires, Gene A. Cretz for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) The "Ha'aretz" Hebrew edition reported on October 13 that Defense Minister Amir Peretz instructed the IDF to expedite the evacuation of illegal outposts in the West Bank. The article stated that Peretz ordered the demolition of a total of 86 structures--47 Israeli, 39 Palestinian. The Israeli structures slated to be demolished are primarily in the Havat Ma'on outpost in the southern Hebron hills, however, other structures would also be destroyed in outposts throughout the West Bank, near the settlements of Yitzhar, Efrata, and Kiryat Arba. Ministry of Defense Senior Advisor Haggai Alon confirmed to EconCouns that these demolition orders were previously planned and the legal requirements to undertake the demolitions were arranged prior to the announcement. Alon previously told Emboffs that the demolitions would take place in mid-October, after the end of the Jewish holidays. (Note: Israeli press reports from September stated that Peretz instructed the IDF to prepare for the evacuation of the Skali's Farm, Arusi's Farm, Hilltop 725, and Havat Ma'on outposts prior to the outbreak of the military confrontation in Gaza and the conflict in Lebanon with Hizballah. According to press reports, the structures in question are mostly mobile homes and foundations for a few permanent structures. End Note.) ¶2. (C) Comment: While we welcome GOI actions to combat illegal settlement construction in the West Bank, it is still unclear whether the demolition of these 47 Israeli structures will result in the full evacuation of illegal outposts. As part of the U.S.-sponsored roadmap, Israel committed to remove "unauthorized outposts" that were established after March 2001 when then Prime Minister Sharon took office. Peretz's alleged move comes in the middle of intensive political maneuvering as Avigdor Leiberman and his Yisrael Beitenu party negotiate to join Olmert's coalition. Some newspapers assert that Peretz's move was intended to pressure Olmert not to affect the current coaltion by making it impossible for Lieberman to join if the move on outposts and settlements was to take place. End comment. ********************************************* ******************** Visit Embassy Tel Aviv's Classified Website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/telaviv You can also access this site through the State Department's Classified SIPRNET website. ********************************************* ******************** CRETZ