Peace Now: Outposts flourished in 2003

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Peace Now: Outposts flourished in 2003
Israeli Insider, 18 February 2004

An annual report published today by the left-wing Peace Now organization stated that while there was no real growth in the number of West Bank outposts during 2003, existing outposts, including unauthorized sites scheduled for evacuation, "flourished" by being connected to power grids, having permanent roads paved and permanent housing constructed.

According to the report, 102 outposts exist today in the territories. Forty-four of them were erected prior to Sharon's election as Prime Minister in February 2001, while 55 others were built from that time until the launching of U.S. President George W, Bush's "road map" to Middle East peace plan in June 2003. The three remaining outposts were set up after June 2003.

During 2003, 12 outposts were connected to the national electricity grid, roads were paved to eight outposts, and construction started on permanent housing in 15 outposts, the report said.

The Israel Defense Forces' Civil Administration admitted today that some of the outposts had been established on land owned by Palestinians, Israel Radio reported.

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In response to the Peace Now report, representatives of the Yesha Council of Jewish Communities in Judea, Samaria and the Gaza Strip said, "All activities in the outposts were conducted with the approval of the relevant authorities. Settlement activities in Yesha will continue to develop despite terror and despite Peace Now."

MK Shaul Yahalom (National Religious Party) said the Peace Now report "fills our heart with pride over the determination of the Yesha settlers, who are continuing with dedication to support the Zionist enterprise and develop the communities of Judea and Samaria."

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More: Israel Insider

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Peace Now: Outpost Survey in the Occupied Territories - 2003
Jpost: Govt admits: Outposts built on Palestinian land