Israeli settler population surges under Netanyahu

[Scurrilous]

<snip>

"Since Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was elected more than three years ago, the Jewish population in the West Bank has ballooned by 18 percent, drawing tens of thousands of Israelis to the territory the Palestinians claim as the heartland of a future state, according to figures obtained by The Associated Press.

The rate of growth - nearly twice that of Israel proper- has deep implications for an already moribund peace process. The issue is at the heart of a three-year-old impasse in Mideast peace efforts, and critics say each new settlement home makes it ever tougher for the Israelis and the Palestinians to reach the territorial compromise that would be needed for any agreement.

The rising settler numbers are "consistent with Netanyahu's commitment to maintain the Israeli control over the Palestinian territories and consistent with his lack of commitment to the establishment of a Palestinian state as part of a two-state solution," Palestinian government spokesman Ghassan Khatib said."

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/07/09/2888621/israeli-settler-population-surges.html#storylink=cpy


Israeli gov’t study declares West Bank not occupied, Earth flat

<snip>

"Earlier this year Benjamin Netanyahu formed an Israeli government panel to judge on the legality of the settlements. The panel was headed by former Supreme Court justice Edmond Levy and was intended to respond to the 2005 Sasson Report on government complicity with the settlement project (and possibly head off an impending UN study into the settlements). Today, the "Levy Committee" issued its findings and among other things declared that Israel is not an occupying force in East Jerusalem and the West Bank.

From Haaretz:

With regard to Israel’s legal status in the West Bank, the Levy Committee declared that Israel is not an occupying power. The panel arrived at that conclusion after considering two conflicting legal approaches on the question.

<snip>

"The Israeli NGO Yesh Din issued the following press release in response to Levy:

Attorney Michael Sfard, Yesh Din’s Legal Advsior: The Levy Committee was Conceived in Sin to Legalize a Crime, and Has Accomplished its Mission

http://mondoweiss.net/2012/07/israeli-govt-study-declares-west-bank-not-occupied-earth-flat.html

[PDJane]

1. Of course they are.

It's obscene and illegal.

[AnOhioan]

2. Netanyahu is for Israel and Israel alone...a lasting, just, peace be damned.

Should Hamas cease rocket fire into Israel? Yes.

Should Israel actually bargain in good faith? Yes.

Will the parties involved do what is necessary? Not likely.