Israeli lawbreakers

Finally, the evidence that categorically proves Israel’s colonial project in the occupied territories is illegal, even under Israeli law:

More than one-third of West Bank settlements were built on private Palestinian land that was temporarily seized by military order for “security purposes,” according to a report by the Civil Administration that is being published here for the first time.

The settlements in question, which include Ariel, Kiryat Arba and Efrat, have tens of thousands of residents, and many have existed for decades. A security source termed this a “difficult statistic” that is liable to cause trouble for Israel both in Washington and its own courts.

The defense establishment has consistently refused to publish this information, and a month ago, the Defense Ministry told a court that its publication would “damage the state’s security and foreign relations.” Peace Now, which discovered the data, said it proves that most of the settlements are illegal even under Israeli law, and termed the attempt to hide the information a “blow to democracy.”

Watch the world remain mute. It’s far easier to blame Hamas “terrorism” for the violence in the conflict.

Text and images ©2024 Antony Loewenstein. All rights reserved.

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