Those who bought homes ‘on paper’ in the Green Park and Na’ot HaPisga neighborhoods of Modi’in Illit were alarmed to hear that IDF Central District commander Major-General Gadi Shamni has issued a stop-building order, bringing the projects to a standstill.

According to a report appearing in the weekly Hebrew Mishpacha Magazine, the order is the result of a Supreme Court ruling demanding that the perimeter fence in the area between the Jewish community and neighboring Arab Bilin be rerouted. According to media reports, Shamni’s order is supported by Defense Minister Ehud Barak.

Rumors indicate that during a meeting in NYC this week with US Mideast envoy George Mitchell, Barak explained that America’s demands to totally freeze construction in settlements will not stand up in court, explaining contractors who have all the necessary permits in hand and have begun construction will turn to the court to unfreeze the situation. The rumors do not include Mitchell’s response.

Mishpacha adds that Modi’in Illit officials are not concerned, explaining the stop-work order in their community is not connected to American demands, but the issue of the separation fence must be rerouted and then construction will resume.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)