Netanyahu demands demolition of unlicensed Arab structures

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the concerned parties to work on implementing demolition orders against unlicensed construction in the Arab areas in south and northern Israel, as well as in occupied East Jerusalem in the coming days.

Voice of Israel radio quoted Netanyahu today saying: “There will be no double standards regarding construction. There will be equal enforcement of the law in Israel for both Jews and Arabs.”

Joint List Member of the Knesset Ayman Odeh criticised Netanyahu, accusing him of taking such measures to attack the Arab population in Israel.

Nearly 1.7 million Arabs live in Israel and hold Israeli citizenship. They make up 20.7 per cent of the total population of 8.3 million. They are known as “Arabs of 48” and they are the Arabs who did not leave their cities and villages during the establishment of Israel in 1948.