Dr. Erekat on Israel’s Planned New Tenders for Betar Illit Settlement in Bethlehem

Erekat Slams Israel’s Planned New Tenders for Betar Illit Settlement in Bethlehem dubbing it as an “Israeli Slap in the Face” to the International Efforts supporting the “ailing Peace Process”

As over 1,000 Palestinian, Arab, Israeli and International investors gather in the historic city of Bethlehem to participate in the Palestine Investment Conference aimed at jumpstarting a process of boosting the Palestinian economy and thereby the chances of Middle East Peace; the Israeli ministry of construction and housing announced plans to issue tenders for 286 new housing units in the Settlement of Betar Illit near that very same city of Bethlehem.

Chief Palestinian Negotiator, Dr. Saeb Erekat, slammed this Israeli decision stating that ''this action proves once again Israel’s intention to further strengthen its occupation and colonization of Palestinian territory.’’

Dr. Erekat noted that “while the whole world [represented by investors from all over the world] gathers in the city of Bethlehem to invest in peace and prosperity, the decision makers in Israel are determined to do everything possible to invest in their ongoing repression and occupation - sabotaging all efforts that may add credibility to the already ailing Peace Process.”

Dr. Erekat described the new Israeli tenders in Betar Illit as “an Israeli slap in the face” to the efforts exerted by the International community.

The illegal settlement of Betar Illit, which is just a few kilometres away from the Palestinian city of Bethlehem, is built on confiscated lands from the Palestinian villages of Wadi Fukin, Husan and Nahalin. These villages are currently trapped between Israel’s Wall, settler bypass roads, and ever expanding Israeli settlements.

“The picture is clear” explained Dr. Erekat; “While the world is gathered to create hope and stability in the region; Israel is adamant at continuing to suffocate the Palestinian population in the occupied Palestinian territory.”

Dr. Erekat concluded, like many in the international community have repeatedly stated in the past, that “Israel’s ever-expanding settlement enterprise in the occupied Palestinian territory poses the single greatest threat to the establishment of an independent, viable and contiguous Palestinian state, and hence, to a just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians”. He called on the US administration and the Quartet members “to act to get Israel to immediately revoke the decision; and unequivocally abide by its Road Map obligation”.