Cabinet Ministers Receive "Outposts Map"

Hillel Fendel

The Knesset Yesha Lobby, formed for the purpose of advancing the cause of the Jewish towns in Judea and Samaria (Yesha), is distributing maps and information on endangered Yesha outposts and neighborhoods to Cabinet ministers and Knesset Members. The Yesha Lobby is headed by MK Dr. Aryeh Eldad (National Union).

Eldad’s office explains, “We are giving out these detailed maps, with explanatory information on the back, to provide deeper information for those who have to make decisions on the Jewish settlement enterprise in Judea and Samaria.”

“They can thus see that outposts are not just a booth or temporary structure, but in some cases are dozens of families who have been living in a real community for several years.”

The colorful map lists dozens of neighborhoods, outposts and small communities that have not yet been recognized by the government – thus rendering them “illegal” or “unauthorized.” However, Eldad explains, “many towns that were established before March 2001 [the cut-off date for new outposts, according to the Americans – ed are in a similar status… All that is necessary to make them legal is the signature of the Defense Minister. This signature is held up only because of political reasons…”

Among the some 20 outposts in specific danger of destruction, according to the Defense Ministry list, are Mitzpeh Lachish in western Judea, Havat Gilad in the Shomron, Givat HaRoeh near Shilo, Givat Assaf near Beit El, Givat Sal’it in northeastern Shomron, and Mul Nevo north of the Dead Sea.

The Yesha lobby plans other activities, such as tours for MKs in the field, Knesset committee sessions relating to settlement matters, and a major seminar in the Knesset on the topic of outposts and settlements.