Israeli government study says many West Bank settlements illegal News
Israeli government study says many West Bank settlements illegal

[JURIST] A Israeli government-commissioned study of Jewish settlements on the West Bank submitted Tuesday [Israel PMO press release] and made public Wednesday has concluded that 105 outposts are illegal, including 54 built on land not belonging to the Israeli state, of which 15 built on established Palestinian property must be removed immediately. The report by former state prosecutor Talia Sasson was ordered by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and surveys the development of illegal settlements with government complicity and in some instances direct, albeit secret, governmental involvement over a course of 13 years. Speaking at a press conference in Jerusalem, Sasson said that "The violation of the law in such a gross manner and from so many different directions could threaten the democratic regime and must be remedied." The Jersualem Post has local coverage. Israeli settlements in occupied territory are already considered illegal under international law. BBC News has more.