Xinhua
May 11, 2012 - 12:00am
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/world/2012-05/11/c_123110472.htm


JERUSALEM, May 10 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu scheduled on Thursday a special cabinet meeting for Friday with government members to debate on a law that would legalize a controversial West Bank outpost.

Netanyahu called on the government members on Thursday to debate on the possibility of approving a bill to legalize the 30 Ulpana outpost homes in the West Bank, the Ha'aretz daily reported.

Earlier this week, Israel's High Court rejected the government' s appeal to freeze the demolition of the outpost, ruled illegal by the High Court.

The Ulpana outpost was scheduled to be razed by July 1 on the grounds that the structures are built on private Palestinian land.

Netanyahu is expected to meet in the coming days with a ministerial forum including the new coalition member, Shaoul Mofaz, leader of the Kadima party.

Although Netanyahu has not made public his opinion on the matter, an official in Netanyahu's government told Xinhua that " everything will be done in accordance with the rules of law," meaning that Netanyahu may not be looking to clash with the High Court's ruling.

"In the next few days the prime minister will be taking advice from members of his government and taking decisions," the source said.

The official did not clarify if Netanyahu will be holding a meeting with cabinet members on Friday.

Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman referred to the issue on Wednesday, stating that the Ulpana outpost is not illegal.

"The state made a mistake and it should take responsibility. I see no other way than legislation that will solve the issue," Lieberman said.

Tensions are running high in the Israeli government over the possible eviction of residents in a disputed neighborhood of a West Bank settlement.




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