Both the United States and European Union have warned Israel there would be a heavy price to pay if Israel destroys the PA (Palestinian Authority) village of Sussia near the Jewish community bearing the same name in the Southern Hebron Hills area.

According to the Haaretz report quoting US and EU officials anonymously, both Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s Office and Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman’s Office have been informed that removing the houses in the village would elicit a “severe” response.

The PA turned to the US and other Western nations seeking assistance, reporting Israel is planning to destroy the homes in the village. Haaretz adds the PMO has informed the Americans Israel has no plans to destroy the village, adding the matter is currently being adjudicated by the High Court and Israel will act in line with the court’s ruling as is always the case.

The petition was submitted by Regavim, citing the Arab Sussia is illegal, calling on the IDF Civil Administration to raze the illegal structures. Regavim points out the village is on an area “C”, which means it is under total exclusive Israeli control as per the Oslo Agreements.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)