Official report says 'Israel funded illegal outposts'

[shamrock_uk]

I'm almost hesitant to post this because its such a divisive issue at the mo, but I'll try and be as un-emotional as possible [img]smile.gif[/img] :

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/mid...st/4328817.stm

Basically, a report by the former state prosecutor has found that the World Zionist Organisation and various government ministries diverted millions of pounds of taxpayers money into building illegal outposts in the West Bank.

Now, in terms of the impact they've actually had on the Palestinians this probably shouldn't be overstated - these are mostly mobile homes built close to existing settlements (although with permanent infrastructure eg roads & electricity etc) according to the article.

My concerns about this are:

1) The fact that this is corruption on a rather large scale involving mis-use of public money

2) Ariel Sharon (it is implied) gave this the green light which casts doubt on his commitment to the US-sponsored road map

3) This does seem to confirm Palestinian suspicions that the withdrawal from the Gaza strip is merely a pretext to tighten grip upon the West Bank

4) It is mildly worrying that the World Zionist Organization has the influence within government to pull something like this off. To my knowledge, the WZO isn't a particularly extremist group, but the name will be really handy to both perceptions of, and propoganda about, a Zionist expansionary threat to the Palestinian people.

Having said that, its not all doom and gloom. The fact the report has been published and certain members of the government are taking notice of this is a positive sign and a credit to Israeli politics.

As for whether action follows words, I guess only history will tell.


Edits for clarity and spelling

[ 03-09-2005, 03:05 PM: Message edited by: shamrock_uk ]