Defense Minister Ehud Barak announced he will not authorize the construction of new homes in Ofrah. His authorization is required for Jewish construction in areas throughout Yosh (Yehuda and Shomron) since those communities fall under laws which differ from laws governing construction inside “Israel proper,” namely pre-1967 Green Line Israel.

On a more positive note, the senior minister has signaled that he will not order any buildings razed, even those contested by Arabs in the area. Started construction on 24 homes will however be halted as per the minister’s announced policy.

The new policy refers to construction on yishuv land that is not absolutely and incontestably state land. According to the state’s Israel Land Administration, much of the land around Ofrah is not “indisputably” state-owned land.

In the meantime, the nation’s High Court of Justice is expected to rule on nine homes constructed in the community on land that area Arabs insist belongs to them, demanding the homes be razed. While Barak has ousted the residents of those homes, he has refused to comply with demands that the structures be demolished.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)