Critics Charge That Israeli Labor Bill For Female Settlers Is A Cover For Creeping Annexation
By TIA GOLDENBERG and ARON HELLER | ASSOCIATED PRESS |
At first glance, a proposed new bill asking Israel's parliament to extend Israeli labor law to the West Bank and protect women against unlawful dismissal seems innocuous enough.
But critics say that under the guise of woman's rights, the bill's true intent is to further entrench Israeli control over occupied territory the Palestinians seek for their future state.
The debate sheds light on the complex and distinct legal system Israel has cultivated during its 46-year control of the West Bank. Since Israel has never annexed the territory, it technically remains under military rule, creating a bewildering legal reality.
For the 340,000 Jewish settlers in the West Bank, most of Israel's criminal and civilian laws apply. They vote in Israeli elections, enlist for compulsory military service, pay their taxes to the state and get speeding tickets from Israeli police.
But these core laws are applied on a personal rather than a geographic basis, meaning they apply to Israelis because of their citizenship and regardless of their location.
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