Perilous Times
Israeli settlers disobey the order to stop building
Settlers have continued to build in defiance of a government order
BBC - At least 29 Israeli settlements in the West Bank are violating a
government-ordered pause in building activity, the Israeli Defence
Ministry has said.
The information was released in response to a question asked in
Israel's parliament, the Knesset.
A pressure group says there are at least four more settlements
disregarding the government order.
The group, Peace Now, says Jewish settlers are working during the night
and on the sabbath to avoid notice.
Peace Now says building work is continuing in at least 33 settlements
in violation of an order to stop made by Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu in November.
Stalled talks
The Israeli newspaper Haaretz said they have learned the government was
looking at ways to enforce the no-building rule.
In November, the government of Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a 10-month
cessation of building new settlements.
According to Peace Now, building on existing settlements has continued.
The information was released by the defence ministry following a
question asked by Haim Oron of the left-wing Meretz party.
US attempts to revive peace talks have stalled over the Jewish
settlement issue.
Palestinians say they will not return to peace talks unless Israel
stops settlement building in the West Bank.
Israel has a long-standing commitment under an existing peace plan to
stop settlement growth.
But the Israeli government has temporarily curbed construction as a
goodwill gesture, though not in East Jerusalem.
All settlements in the the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, are
considered illegal under international law, although Israel disputes
this.