SWITZERLAND OF THE SETTLEMENTS: ILLEGAL OUTPOST

C O N F I D E N T I A L JERUSALEM 001433 SIPDIS NEA FOR FRONT OFFICE. NSC FOR ABRAMS/SINGH/PASCUAL E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/30/2018 TAGS: KWBG PBTS PREL PHUM IS SUBJECT: SWITZERLAND OF THE SETTLEMENTS: ILLEGAL OUTPOST BRUNCH Classified By: Consul General Jake Walles, per reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: Poloff visited the illegal outpost of Havat Yair in the northern West Bank on July 25, where twenty-two settler families live and have established a popular brunch restaurant in what they call their "Switzerland." The outpost is led by lawyer Doron Nir Tsvi, who often represents outposts when their legal status is challenged before the High Court of Justice (HCJ). Although it was established after March 2001, Havat Yair is not on the GOI's list of outposts whose removal is to be negotiated with the settler leadership. END SUMMARY. Illegal brunch -------------- ¶2. (C) On July 25, Poloff visited "Tamari's Cabin," a boutique coffeehouse at the illegal outpost of Havat Yair between Yakir and Nofim settlements in the northern West Bank. There are twenty-two families in this outpost, and settlers proudly refer to the area as their "Switzerland." An upscale brunch buffet is served at 15 tables under umbrellas on two balconies attached to a chalet-style cabin overlooking the wadi below. Poloff and Elkana settler Mel Borenstein partook of a Mediterranean spread of salads, yogurts, breads, eggs, and cappuccinos on July 25. Settlers and "green line" Israelis alike filled every table at the restaurant, which requires reservations and operates a catering business as well. "This is all illegal," Borenstein told Poloff. "Caravan" lifestyle -------------- ¶3. (C) The restaurant's owners, Tamari and Doron Nir Tsvi, told Poloff that they wanted to "do something" after the 2005 evacuation of settlers from Gaza, and so established the restaurant next to their caravan at Havat Yair outpost. Sitting in their "caravan," Poloff observed a large kitchen outfitted with stainless steel appliances, a living room with an antique iron fireplace and hardwood floors, and several bedrooms. Doron Nir Tsvi is known to settlers as the "outpost lawyer," because he often defends the outposts before the High Court of Justice (HCJ). In April, IDF bulldozers destroyed Nir Tsvi's swimming pool, built next door to the restaurant but without a permit. On July 25, Poloff observed the pool ninety percent rebuilt. Not on GOI's list -------------- ¶4. (C) Havat Yair was established after March 2001, and is registered by Peace Now as a post-March 2001 outpost, according to Peace Now's Hagit Ofran. However, it is not on the GOI's list of post-March 2001 outposts for removal. WALLES