Opinion | Editorials
Israel will find a way around ruling
Government is likely to cite security fears and continue with present route of the wall.
- Gulf News
- Published: 23:51 August 22, 2008
With the usual hyperbole that has come to be expected of Israel, the government announced it would change the route of the controversial wall it has been building around the West Bank for the past six years. However, if anyone is expecting any major changes in Israel's grand scheme of things, then they will be in for a surprise. The Israeli High Court has ruled in favour of Palestinian complaints regarding the construction of the wall near the largest Israeli colony, Maale Adumim. The High Court order means more occupied land - approximately 400 hectares - will be returned to Palestinians and the wall will be erected closer to the colony.
In acquiescing to the ruling, the government implies it is making a munificent gesture, but it is not so. The land belongs to Palestinians anyway, so the reality is that a small portion of what is rightfully theirs is being returned to Palestinians. However, it could be the acquiescence may yet prove to be false. Only two of five changes of route ordered previously by the High Court have been carried out by the government. With the wall being located nearer Maale Adumim, it is unlikely Israel will comply, citing security factors again.
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