Some 29 West Bank settlements have violated the construction freeze, Israel’s Defense Ministry reported Feb. 15.
Deputy Defense Minister Matan Vilnai released a list of the settlements that have continued construction despite a 10-month freeze announced in late November by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Peace Now said Feb. 15 that it had identified five additional settlements that also have continued building despite the freeze. The freeze does not cover buildings for which a foundation had already been laid before its start.
Vilnai said officials have attempted to enforce the freeze in the settlements listed as violators, including issuing demolition and stop work orders. Other measures could be taken, he said. Construction equipment also has been confiscated. — jta