New Israel settlement outpost established in northern West Bank

Israeli settlers have “established an unauthorised outpost near the settlement of Eli” in the northern occupied West Bank, reported Haaretz, “possibly the latest move that makes it difficult for local Palestinians to gain access to their nearby land” the paper added.

According to the report, some “five or so” structures have been erected at the new outpost over recent weeks, including “for agricultural use” and animal shelters, as well as “a building that appears to be designed for residential use”.

“Terraces of sorts have also been created that would provide space for additional buildings”, Haaretz added, with “a van full of furniture” also spotted “at the entrance to the site”.

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Israeli occupation authorities have “recently declared other land near Eli state-owned, providing territorial contiguity among enclaves of state-owned land in the area”, with the new outpost is located on one of these enclaves”, Haaretzexplained.

“Based on maps of the Israel’s Civil Administration in the West Bank, the structures were put up illegally without permits on state-owned land surrounded by non-state-owned land”, the paper added. “Some of the land in the area is farmed by Palestinians.”

Across the occupied West Bank, settlers set up farms “near the outer edge of state-owned land, as in the case near Eli, in an effort to expand existing settlements”, Haaretzstates. “Even though they have been established without permission, no legal action has been taken against them.”

All Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, regardless of their status under Israeli law, are illegal under international law.

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