Attorney general holds consultations on Netanyahu´s plan to evacuate Beit El neighborhood

Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein on Sunday held a lengthy discussion on a solution for the Ulpana neighborhood´s evacuation. He then presented the problems raised during the meeting to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The meeting was attended by senior officials in the State Prosecutor´s Office, government officials, military elements, international law experts and the cabinet secretary.

The officials discussed the possibility of moving the neighborhood to an abandoned military base and it was decided to further explore the matter´s feasibility.

Senior legal elements said there was a problem in setting up a neighborhood on military territory. Firstly, the land, which had been expropriated by the State for security reasons, cannot now be used for other purposes. Secondly, there is the issue of original landowner, who may claim the land back at some point.

Weinstein also addressed the question of whether Netanyahu´s plan will serve as a precedent for future outpost evacuations.

He stressed that the High Court ruling on Ulpana is not a binding precedent as it was based on the state´s consent. Additional discussions are expected on the matter.

Earlier on Sunday, Netanyahu presented the cabinet with the principles for his plan to evict the residents of the Ulpana neighborhood. (Copyright 2012 © Yedioth Internet 06/03/12)