SETTLERS AND ACTIVISTS ENGAGE IN TIT FOR TAT AT

C O N F I D E N T I A L JERUSALEM 002100 SIPDIS SIPDIS NEA FOR FRONT OFFICE. NSC FOR ABRAMS/SINGH/WATERS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/03/2017 TAGS: KWBG PBTS PREL PHUM IS SUBJECT: SETTLERS AND ACTIVISTS ENGAGE IN TIT FOR TAT AT SUSIYA, SOUTH OF HEBRON REF: JERUSALEM 01648 Classified By: Consul General Jake Walles, per reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: On September 25 Poloff visited the Susiya settlement in the Southern Hebron Hills. Susiya is small, but known for its extremism (and proximity to the Hebron settlers). Susiya settlers have claimed five nearby hilltops since 2001 and have difficult, even violent relations with neighboring Palestinian farmers and international activists in the area. Settlement claims Ottoman Era Land Deed -------------- ¶2. (C) On September 25, Poloff and Susiya's resident guide Doron Sar Avi visited the settlement, including its 4th century synagogue and mosaic floor, five outposts, and agricultural center. Susiya was established in 1984 and has about 100 families (8 of them American). It is surrounded by encampments of Palestinian farmers whom settlers claim came from nearby Yatta and who "never cared about the land" until the settlement was established. Susiya claims its legitimacy comes from an Ottoman era "koshan" (land deed) stating that 300 dunams of land were once attached to an ancient Jewish synagogue in the area. Dueling Activists: International and Settlers -------------- ¶3. (C) Settlers told PolOff that international activists recently uprooted hundreds of Susiya's olive trees in the middle of the night and removed electrical cables supplying power to the ancient synagogue and archaeological site on the night of Yom Kippur (September 22). Poloff saw the settlers reinstalling power lines before the Sukkot holiday. Susiya residents said they think international activists colluded with local Palestinian farmers to steal rare goat herds from nearby Lucifer Hill (reftel). According to settler Sar Avi, most activists are European and often stay overnight in Palestinian farmers' tents. He said life would be much easier without them, commenting "we have our own language for speaking to the Arabs." Five New Outposts -------------- ¶4. (C) Following the murder six years ago of Susiya shepherd Yair Har Sinai, Susiya residents established five new outposts with several caravans each (for security reasons according to settlers). The hilltop outposts are Mitspe Yair, Avigail (reftel),Mitspe Asael, Mitspe Eshtamoa, and Oujum. Mitspe Asael and Avigail are being discussed for possible removal by Israeli Deputy PM Haim Ramon's committee. Poloff visited Mitspe Yair from which agrarian settlers have a view to the Dead Sea, 18 km to the east (NOTE: Settler Yochanan Sharet who in August attacked a UN vehicle and wounded a UN staff member is from Mitspe Yair. END NOTE). "Why should we have to give it back?" -------------- ¶5. (C) According to Sar Avi, Susiya failed in its efforts to lobby the GoI to route the separation barrier to the north of the settlement and to include it on the "Israeli" side (Note: The nearby settlement of Yatir succeeded with a similar strategy. End Note). Susiya residents argue that there is little between the Negev and Susiya and insists "why should we have to give it back?" Asked about Susiya residents' reactions to a permanent status agreement, Sar Avi said "We wouldn't leave here without a fight." WALLES