The bill that will legalize the controversial homes in Beit El’s Ulpana neighborhood and protect homeowners in future cases is scheduled for a vote in Knesset on Wednesday.

While Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu stated he will support legislation to legalize the Ulpana neighborhood and others to prevent their destruction, it now appears less enthusiastic regarding such legislation. He has released statements of caution, that passing such a bill might delegitimize Israel in the international community.

Even outspoken Likud ministers such as Silvan Shalom, who stated the legislation is essential to circumvent the High Court of Justice and prevent the demolition of homes plans to take the standard way out, absenting himself from Wednesday’s vote. Not wishing to embarrass himself, Shalom and another major ally of the yishuvim, Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz plan to be out of the country during the vote, enabling them to continue waving their right-wing hawkish flags while avoiding the wrath of the prime minister and the internal party tensions that accompany such a reality.

Senior Minister Dan Meridor and Binyamin Begin oppose the legislation. While the latter is an outspoken advocate of the settlement movement, he and Meridor feel that passing legislation that will undermine the nation’s highest court will delegitimize Israel in the international community and ultimately, serve as a double edged sword that carries most unwanted political ramifications.

Activists are working to persuade Shalom and Katz to present themselves for the vote as the clock runs down to the vote.

Just last week the Judea and Samaria division commander arrived in Beit El to prepare for razing the homes in question. Settlement leaders feel he was sent by Defense Minister Ehud Barak, who appears more than pleased to carry out the High Court’s demolition order.

If the bill is passed into law, it will provide a legal shield to the residents of Beit El and other communities. If it is learned after the fact if a home is found to be on privately owned land, instead of razing the home compensatory payment will be made.

The passing of the bill appears to be the last hope of the families in the Ulpana neighborhood and if it does not receive a majority, the families face eviction and their homes will be destroyed chas v’sholom.

Kol Berama Radio reported on Sunday, 13 Sivan 5772 that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu cut a deal with Avigdor Lieberman and his Yisrael Beitenu Party by which the members of the latter’s party will vote against the bill. This will result in the bill’s defeat but it will avoid the embarrassment of the defeat coming as the result of the votes of members of the prime minister’s Likud party. The report explains that in return, Lieberman will see “sweeping changes” pertaining to the Tal Law, the issue of drafting chareidim, which has been the flagship of Lieberman’s party’s platform.

Peace Now officials have already announced that if the bill is passed in Knesset, they will appeal it to the High Court of Justice.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)