The center-left members of the ruling coalition in Israel found themselves facing a conundrum recently, which continues to threaten the very stability of the government. At stake is the legalization of the illegal Evyatar West Bank outpost, located just south of Nablus on lands allegedly belonging to three Palestinian villages.
The outpost was first established in 2013, but demolished by Israeli authorities. It was reestablished illegally about a year ago, in May 2021, when Hamas fired more than 4,000 rockets at Israel, and as a reaction to a deadly terror attack nearby. It was partially evacuated a few weeks later after negotiations with the settlers, with the understanding that the land’s legal status would be reassessed before a final decision is made.
