The Elon Moreh settlers agreed last night, after prolonged deliberations, to move to the new site at Djebil Kebir six miles away where the government is preparing a settlement for them. The settlers said they mode the decision “albeit painfully” in order “to avoid confrontation and not stand in the way of the government to establish the settlement on Mr. Kebir.”
The settlers did not say when they would move. But if they observe the new deadline set by the Cabinet when it granted them a second extension last month, the transfer should be completed by next week.
There was no public indication that the government had agreed to the settlers’ earlier demand to initiate legislation that would change the status of Jewish settlements in the occupied territories in a way that would bar future court challenges. Until last night, that had been their condition for leaving Elon Moreh. But there were hints that they may have received some promise in that direction.
It was learned that the Knesset members backing Elon Moreh gave the settlers a letter committing them “to act to change the legal status of Judaea and Samaria.” However, Haim Korfu, the coalition Whip in the Knesset, said flatly that the evacuation of Elon Moreh would not accelerate consideration of new legislation. This is a serious topic and cannot be discussed “while standing on one leg, “he said.
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