JERUSALEM—‘’In accordance with the recommendation of professional elements, the Security Cabinet has granted an extension of several weeks in order to exhaust the negotiations for evacuation by agreement,’’ reads a communique issued after a meeting Sunday of Israel’s security cabinet on the issue of the evacuation of the illegally built village of Khan al-Ahmar.
The village, where some 180 Jahalin Bedouin live, is located near Route 1, just below the Kfar Adumim settlement.in the West Bank.
Earlier in the day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu assured his right-wing base that he had not backed down from the state’s primary decision that the village must be relocated.
“Khan al-Ahmar will be evacuated. This is the decision of the court. This is our policy and it will be carried out. I have no intention of delaying this until further notice, contrary to what is being reported, but for a short period,’’ he said.
Education Minister Naftali Bennett and Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked of the coalition’s Jewish Home party were the lone votes against the proposal submitted by Netanyahu.
Bennett swore that he would ensure the demolition of the village: “Khan al-Ahmar will be evacuated. This is illegal construction whose destruction was approved by the Supreme Court.”
“In a state which abides by the rule of law, the law is enforced even if there is opposition or threats from the international community. The Bayit Yehudi party will make sure that it does happen,” Bennett said.
In May, Israel’s High Court of Justice ruled that the state was allowed to move forward with its plans to demolish Khan al-Ahmar, which it agreed was established illegally without building permits.
Last month, the High Court rejected a final appeal from Khan al-Ahmar residents, and authorities have since been preparing to demolish the village and transfer the residents to an area close to the Palestinian town of Abu Dis.
The international community, particularly the European Union and its member states, have called on Israel not to evacuate the village.