The organizations demand that the November 19 opening of the tender box for 1,234 housing units in E1 be postponed.
“A caretaker government may not create irreversible facts on the ground through a move with far-reaching diplomatic and international implications.”
Peace Now, Bimkom, and Ir Amim wrote to Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara yesterday through their attorney, Michael Sfard. They called on her to order that the tender box for 1,234 housing units in the E1 area remain sealed until the new government is formed.
In their letter, the organizations stress that advancing the tender under a caretaker government could create irreversible facts on the ground just as a new government is expected to take office. They describe the issue as one of exceptional diplomatic and international sensitivity.
The organizations also warn of potentially serious international consequences, including sanctions against Israel.
The organizations note that the High Court of Justice also recognized the move’s particular sensitivity and the concern that opening the tender box could create a fait accompli. They argue the incoming government should be allowed to decide the matter for itself without being presented with a done deal.
The organizations said in a joint statement: “The Netanyahu government lost the election and has no mandate whatsoever to press ahead with destructive annexation measures that will tie the hands of the next government.
Construction in E1 is designed to destroy any chance of a political solution and a Palestinian state. It could have severe international repercussions for Israel.
A caretaker government must not be allowed to use its final days in office to create irreversible facts on the ground and drag Israel into a serious diplomatic crisis. The Attorney General must intervene and halt the tenders until the new government is formed.”
The full letter (translated to English)