Israel’s defense minister is particularly good at taking over land

[Jefferson23]

Moshe Ya’alon has turned into a real estate broker finding loopholes that will legitimize illegal outposts.

Haaretz Editorial | Aug. 18, 2014 | 3:43 AM

Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon has taken a twisting path to an “appropriate Zionist response” to the murder of Jews by Palestinians. He made a promise to the Gush Etzion Regional Council, which established the pseudo-outpost Tekoa V.

Ya'alon promised that in exchange for evacuating the place, the council would receive a suitable reward. He promised to approve the establishment of a farm, legalize the illegal settlement of Tekoa IV and approve construction of 24 apartments in the area.

Tekoa V, which the Gush Etztion Regional Council launched in response to the murder of the three teens two months ago, was an illegal act. According to the attorney general, the regional council is prohibited from financing this type of activity; Tekoa V was established on private Palestinian land, contrary to government policy that bars the establishment of new outposts.

Ya’alon, as a minster who upholds the law and carries out the policies to which he is a partner, ordered the outpost demolished about three weeks ago. But it seems that even the defense minister doesn’t take his own actions and policies seriously.

http://www.haaretz.com/opinion/1.610971