2009 West Bank construction mirrors yearly trend
Study shows newly approved housing units expected to continue settlement growth rate of recent years.
By Akiva Eldar Tags: Israel news West BankThe decision to approve the construction of hundreds of housing units before the settlement freeze goes into affect means that in the coming year the total number of apartments to be built in the settlements will be the same as the number built before limitations were placed on construction over the Green Line.
Central Bureau of Statistics data show that the completion of 2,500 housing units and an immediate start to 455 new units continues the growth trend of recent years.
According to Central Bureau of Statistics publications, from 2005 to the end of 2008, when no special limitations on construction in the settlements were imposed and the American demand to freeze construction was not yet on the agenda, 7,015 housing units were built in the West Bank settlements. Thus during those four years, the average rate of housing starts in the settlements was 1,771 a year.
The number of new housing units will not actually decline compared to previous years. The only difference is that now, that instead of construction permits being given gradually throughout the year, the government intends to issue hundreds of permits within a few days, before the official announcement of the "freeze" is made.
According to Central Bureau of Statistics data, the average household in the settlements consists of 4.46 people. Thus during the "freeze" - in which 2,500 units will be completed and hundreds of others built - the population will grow by about 14,000.
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"The so called settlements create an opportunity for peace... Shame on those opposed to the settlements and the peace opportunity they present. I am serious about this and anytone who is serious about peace should see that is true." -David I am serious about peace. Perhaps I should see how your point that the settlements advance peace is true. Only I didn't see it explained anywhere in your post. Please make your first attempt. I'm all ears.
You must have failed to notice that the settlements being beyond official boundaries of the State of Israel, the WB Palestinians shouldn't normally be concerned of whether red or brown color of Israeli electorate pulls the Israel project down the drain together with the still-fresh phantasms of the gardens in the desert. Now that you can hide behind the back of democratic majority, let me remind you that in the previous posts you've been explicitly stating that you'll recur to violent resistance against Israeli implementation of what the Supreme Court stipulated already a while ago. This much for you democratic reflex, Yishai. Insofar the case is of one state colonizing another, the matter is international, and rest assured that the Apartheid didn't set silently itself apart one Sunday afternoon out of boredom either.
fine, 2 options. Annex it and make it all one state! With the same rights for everybody. Or expell all arabs. Not just from the Westbank from the whole of Israel. option 1 is unacceptable because it would mean giving up on the Jewish State option 2 is unacceptable because it would Israel make look bad! Thus the creeping step for step approach. Now if only the Palestinians were a little more accomadating huh?
Come home to sovreign Israel, and realize your dreams here, we need you here and we want you here... there are vast undeveloped areas in Israel that cry out for your chalutziot... you don't have to consummate your dreams on the land of our neighbors, the Pals...
The long standing Israeli policy of creeping annexation is wrong, and an obstacle to peace as a precedent of unilateral action is only an irritant, and contrary to the spirit of negotiation that any real peace depends on. So, while Israel progresses in one sense, it distances itself from the real goal of a peaceful existence with peaceful neighbors. Every new house in every new settlement is an obstacle to future peace. Stonewalling is a very short sighted policy. In the end, much of the settlements will be diassembled like Yamit and Gaza when Israel realizes stubborness and one sided action is not the way. Or there will be endless conflict until catastrophe. The Palestinians are not without blame. Fantasizing about turning back the clock, they adhere to denial and hatred as the cornerstones of their own misguided policies. Both sides need to change.
You must have failed to notice that it wasn't Meretz that was popularly chosen to lead the country.
... building continues at either old or new pace... ... spoke-screen or smoke-screen, nothing new under the settler sun... ... they squeal for safety sake...
Israel is acting true to foem. Human rights violations continue. Why should the USA and EU support Israel? Partnership should be a two way street. Israel is acting like an errant child that throws a tantrum. It needs firmer direction from the USA and the EU.
Israel's Greatest Achievements 9-7-9 Israel, a country the size of New Jersey can only claim to the following achievements: * Israel was established upon the ruins of another nation that it destroyed; Palestine * Israel holds the world record in the number of towns & villages it ethnically cleansed... 500+ * Israel holds the world record in the number of refugees it deported... 4 million + * Israel holds the world record in the number of homes it demolished... 60,000 + * Israel is the country with the highest record of UN condemnation... 500 + times
The PA is more interesting in racism than peace. Negotiate peace or cancel Palestine and peace will be created, 2 states, Israel and Jordan Palestine. Jews lived in Judea and Samaria before arabs and will never leave again. That is racism, not peace. Want to negotiate land? Fine, but Jews MUST live in Judea and Samaria for there to be peace. It is NOT possible to have peace without that. The so called settlements create an opportunity for peace. Calling a halt to them is racism and prevents peace. Shame on those opposed to the settlements and the peace opportunity they present. I am serious about this and anytone who is serious about peace should see that is true.