Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu announced he plans to seek Knesset approval of the Levy Report, based on the committee headed by High Court Justice Edmond Levy, who cited the outposts in Yehuda and Shomron are not a violation of international law as alleged by many. The prime minister wishes to adopt the report to permit legalizing a number of communities based on the legal experts who sat on the committee and rendered their decision.

Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein is sharply opposed to the prime minister’s plan, backed by the political left-wing, now accusing the prime minister of trying to score points ahead of elections. The political right-wing of course is pleased with the intended move, standing firmly behind the prime minister in a showing of support.

Opponents fear that such a move will only infuriate the United States and other allies, and further isolate Israel in the international diplomatic community while also hammering in the final nail into the coffin of the ailing negotiating process with the PA (Palestinian Authority).

The report was prepared by the legal experts who sat on the committee; former Supreme Court Justice Edmund Levy, former Foreign Ministry legal adviser Alan Baker and former deputy president of the Tel Aviv District Court Techiya Shapira.

Baker is an acknowledged expert on international law. Nevertheless, opponents insist the report is contrary to the position of The International Court in The Hague and adopting it will harm Israel’s position among Western nations.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)