TEL AVIV, October 19 (WAFA) – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided that he wouldn’t demolish the unregulated construction in a various settlements although the government has issued orders to demolish the illegal construction.

Netanyahu said that his cabinet needed more time to decide when and how to dismantle certain illegal West Bank outposts, due to the 'political implications' involved.

The government 'needs time to consider its priorities' with regard to these outposts, Netanyahu said ahead of a High Court of Justice deliberation on the matter. This means an evasion of the settlements’ demolition issue.

In 2006, Peace Now petitioned the court to force the Israeli Forces to carry out orders given in 2004 by the then Israeli Security minister, Shaul Mofaz, which enabled the evacuation of the six sites (West Bank outposts - Givat Assaf, Ma'aleh Rehavam, Givat Haroeh, Mitzpeh Yitzhar and Mitzpeh Lachish - that were slated for evacuation in 2004.)

Mofaz's successor in the post, Amir Peretz, extended the validity of the orders to last a further two years shortly after the petition was submitted.

Peace Now petitioned the court again at the end of 2007, when it had become clear that the Israeli force establishment had no intention of carrying out the orders. Following that petition, Israeli Security Minister Ehud Barak announced in 2008 he was extending the orders' validity for a further year. He said this was in order to reach an agreement with settler leaders.

Prosecutors announced during The High Court hearing in May 2009 that the orders would be extended for yet another year. Now, following the end of the temporary settlement freeze, it seems the Israeli government will continue to put off enforcing the demolition orders.