Israeli Panel Suggests Legalizing Outpost Settlements

July 10, 2012

A report commissioned by Israel's government says the country should legalize dozens of unauthorized outpost settlements in the West Bank.

The report issued Monday concludes that the West Bank is not occupied territory, a view that is at odds with most of the international community.

This non-binding report was commissioned by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and was written by a three-person panel considered sympathetic to the settlers. It has not yet been endorsed by Israel's government.

Palestinian officials quickly denounced the report's conclusions, saying they contradict international law. Jewish settlements are at the heart of a three-year impasse in Mideast peace efforts.