TEL AVIV, August 23, 2009 (WAFA)- Israeli construction in the West Bank under the auspices of the government is ongoing despite official reports of colony freeze, accusing government of turning blind eye to colonies expansion, that Jewish colonizers using old blueprints to build new structures in West Bank , Peace Now said in a report published Sunday morning.
According to the report, 596 new structures built in Jewish colonies since January, including 96 structures in outposts,. About 35% of the structures were built east of the separation fence route and some 65% west of it.
In its bi-annual report the group said that colonizers are using various measures to bypass attempts to halt construction, and that construction in outposts slated for evacuation by the Army Ministry also continues. the report said
According to Peace Now, part of the construction in recent months, mostly in isolated colonies, has been carried out based on old blueprints that have been approved years ago, in order to avoid the need to get new plans approved by the army minister.
The report further stated an increase in the number of permanent structures under construction (8% up) has been recorded, as well as a drop in the number of caravans (43% decrease).
According to the group, 'It is in the power of the government to prevent construction that has been green-lighted in the past, but politically it finds it easier to allow the construction by turning a blind eye and providing direct or indirect incentives, while at the same time continuing to maintain that it is pushing for a 'settlement freeze'.
Since over 40,000 housing units in the
