[PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE]

Minister of National Infrastructure Yuval Steinitz on Thursday 25 Tishrei visiting Gush Etzion. He visited Yishuv Elazar and met with some residents of homes slated for destruction as the judicial system continues to rule in favor of Arabs petitioning the courts, questioning the integrity of land ownership deals.

Steinitz spoke with residents of the Netiv HaAvot neighborhood whose homes have been ordered destroyed, explaining legislation must be introduced to prevent this catastrophe from occurring.

It was explained to the minister that 17 homes in the neighborhood must be evacuated and razed. Steinitz added “razing the homes is absurd and it affects the citizens of the country whom have built their houses in good faith…” adding the Palestinians will not profit at all from the destruction of the homes.

Steinitz added “As is the case in Tel Aviv and Kfar Saba when there are building violations exceptions are made on the grounds a building is old and compensation agreements are reached as should be the case in Yehuda and Shomron”.

The minister empathized with residents, adding “this situation does not help anyone – it is not a matter of left or right-wing but a matter of injustice and an immoral act”.

The minister was escorted to local and regional officials, with whom he also met with during the visit.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem/Photo Credit: Yehuda Shapira, Gush Etzion Council spokesman)