Move to Strip EU Immunity in Illegal Palestinian Building

YERUSHALAYIM
Yisrael Beytenu MK Oded Forer (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)
Yisrael Beytenu MK Oded Forer (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

A new bill to curtail EU-supported building of unauthorized Palestinian housing in Yehudah and Shomron would strip EU employees of diplomatic immunity, The Jerusalem Post reported on Wednesday.

MK Oded Forer (Yisrael Beytenu) submitted the bill that would allow Israel to prosecute individuals otherwise covered by diplomatic immunity for activities relating to terror, human trafficking and illegal construction.

In recent months, Israeli authorities have objected to European financing of illegal building in Area C of Yehudah and Shomron. The proposal reflects a campaign of right-wing politicians and non-governmental groups such as Regavim to put a stop to the Palestinian attempt to create “facts on the ground.”

“Diplomatic immunity was not granted to allow for activities that undermine the state’s sovereignty,” said Forer.

The Yisrael Beytenu, Likud and Jewish Home parties have expressed support for the bill.
The EU has countered that their support for such building is a matter of humanitarian relief protected by international law. They contend that Israel’s refusal to grant permits for Palestinian construction in Area C makes it virtually impossible for Palestinians to add housing in the area.

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