Knesset to discuss IDF’s use of live-fire zones to relocate Palestinians

The Knesset will discuss the Israel Defense Forces’ use of live-fire zones as a means of removing Palestinian residents from their dwellings at a plenary discussion on Wednesday. The discussion comes in response to an urgent question posed by MK Dov Khenin (Hadash). His motion was based both on the report in Haaretz and on the State’s reply to a petition filed with the High Court of Justice.  According to Haaretz a senior IDF officer had confirmed that military exercises in live-fire zones were partly aimed at removing Palestinians from those areas.

2014-06-12

In its reply on May 29, the State declared its intention to “legalize” seven houses belonging to settlers in the outpost of Avygail, situated in Firing Zone 918. That is the same zone in which the state is seeking to destroy eight Palestinian villages and expel their residents. MK Khenin’s urgent motion was joined by MK Eitan Cabel (Labor), MK Jamal Zahalka (Balad) and MK Ibrahim Sarsur (Ra’am-Ta’al.)

Related – The report in Haaretz:

http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/.premium-1.591881

B’Tselem on Firing Zone 918:

http://www.btselem.org/south_hebron_hills/firing_zone_918