YATIR OUTPOST NOT REMOVED DESPITE CLAIMS

C O N F I D E N T I A L JERUSALEM 000530

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

NEA FOR FRONT OFFICE. NSC FOR ABRAMS/SINGH/PASCUAL

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/25/2018
TAGS: KWBG PBTS PREL PHUM IS
SUBJECT: YATIR OUTPOST NOT REMOVED DESPITE CLAIMS

REF: TEL AVIV 538

Classified By: Consul General Jake Walles, per reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (C) SUMMARY: On a March 25 visit to the southern West
Bank settlement of Yatir, POLOFF observed that the four
caravans at the Yatir South outpost, which the GOI claimed
(reftel) were removed remain in place and inhabited. Yatir
settlers told POLOFF that they know the GOI is discussing the
caravans' removal, but no action has been taken. END SUMMARY.


2. (C) POLOFF visited Yatir March 25 to verify reports that
the GOI had removed caravans from an outpost near the
southern West Bank settlement of Yatir. Accompanied by
settlers, POLOFF visited the four caravans that are adjacent
to two livestock buildings. Despite GOI claims that two of
the four caravans were removed, POLOFF observed that all four
caravans remain in place, and according to Yatir settlers,
are still inhabited. Vehicles were parked adjacent to the
caravans, and settlers were present at the site.


3. (C) Yatir settlers told POLOFF the caravans were brought
in "five or six years ago" after several chicken thefts in
which neighboring Bedouins were suspected, and are typically
inhabited by young newlyweds who do not pay rent in exchange
for providing security for the livestock. Settlers told
PolOff they know the GOI is talking about moving the
caravans, but no action had been taken. They added that the
caravans' occupants grew up in Yatir and paying no rent "is a
good deal for them".


WALLES