Activists to Likud MKs: 'Relocating Khan al-Ahmar would legalize PA land grab'

• Published date: 23 January 2023

Likud lawmakers joined activists from the Regavim watchdog group, which monitors illegal construction in the Arab sector, for a first-hand look at Khan al-Ahmar, a Bedouin encampment built on Israeli land next to the town of Mishor Adumim, east of Jerusalem

The visit comes amid renewed calls for the demolition of the illegal settlement.

While the Civil Administration issued demolition orders years ago, with the Supreme Court rejected appeals by residents, successive governments led by Benjamin Netanyahu, Naftali Bennett, and Yair Lapid have delayed implementation of the orders.

The government has sought to reach an agreement with the squatters, securing their peaceful relocation to an alternative site.

In a statement Monday, Regavim criticized recent relocation plans, noting that they would allow the squatters to resettle at an adjacent plot, overlooking Route 1, Israel's primary east-west traffic artery.

Monday's visit, Regavim said, is aimed at helping coalition lawmakers "to understand why Khan al-Ahmar is the flagship of the Palestinian Authority's annexation project, and to learn about the ridiculous and dangerous 'alternative' suggested up by outgoing Defense Minister Benny Gantz - a far worse alternative than the present situation."

"The site Gantz earmarked for relocating the squatters is 300 meters away...