Sunday, September 7, 2008

Cabinet Moving Ahead With Expulsion/Compensation Plan II

Minister Chaim Ramon on Sunday will move ahead presenting his plan for the next expulsion/compensation plan, speaking of addressing those residents of Yehuda and Shomron who are willing to leave their homes for compensation. There is talk of offering such people a settlement of NIS 1 million, to relocate inside the Green Line.

The impetus of the move began with MKs Avshalom Vilan (Meretz), Colette Avital (Labor) and Ami Ayalon (Labor), who are in contact with European Union officials, who are signaling that moving ahead with a plan to rid Yehuda and Shomron of its Jewish population would enjoy EU support and possibly funding.

The main coalition partner, Labor, has already indicated it supports the move, with party leader Defense Minister Ehud Barak announcing another expulsion/compensation plan is part of the party’s major platform issues. Following a meeting on Friday of party leaders, Barak stated it was a step in the right direction and he and his colleagues will support it.
Shas on the other hand is strongly opposed, even expressing its opposition to the idea of discussing another expulsion.

Ironically, on Thursday, State Attorney General Menachem Mazuz released a statement that Prime Minister Ehud Olmert must be cautious during this “unique” time period, signaling he should not set his sights on major political processes as his days in office are rapidly winding down.

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