“Opening the floodgates?” is Lara Friedman of Peace Now’s line re the decision by the Israeli cabinet yesterday. Here is an account of the cabinet meeting:
Sunday, June 19, 2011 Cabinet Communique: Consent of DM [Defense Minister] not required for activities of Rural Settlement Division
[Dr. Aaron Lerner – IMRA [Independent Media Review Analysis]: Until the cabinet decision today, DM [Ehud] Barak was effectively stopping almost new activity of the Rural Settlement Division in Judea and Samaria. The decision today strips him of his veto power in this matter.]…
In continuation of its 22.7.07 and 19.7.09 decisions, and pursuant to Article 31d of Basic Law: The Government, the Cabinet decided to transfer responsibility for the World Zionist Organization Rural Settlement Division from the agriculture and Rural Development Ministry to the Prime Minister’s Office. This decision will be submitted for Knesset approval.
[AL: from the Hebrew explanation: “in Section D government resolution No. 601, the words “will be brought for pre-approval of the Defense Minister and if necessary the approval of the Prime Minister” shall be deleted and replaced with: “shall be made in coordination with the Defense Minister. That is to say that coordination does not require consent.”
Thanks to Ali Gharib.
