Israel Lays Groundwork for Possible Settlement Expansion Southeast of Jerusalem

[Israeli]

The land east of the settlement of Efrat would expand 'contiguity' of the Gush Etzion bloc east to the outskirts of Bethlehem.

Yotam Berger Aug 14, 2016

Israel is conducting a land survey between the settlement of Efrat and the area to its east with an eye toward declaring state land there, according to a document submitted by the state to the High Court of Justice last week.

According to the document, the survey has been undertaken “in a manner that will create contiguity of state lands.” Efrat is in the Gush Etzion settlement bloc in the southern West Bank, and the area to its east is known as Givat Eitam.

Construction in the area could have diplomatic implications because it would expand Gush Etzion east to the outskirts of Bethlehem.

In 2009, 1,700 dunams (425 acres) of land in the Efrat region were declared state land. Haaretz reported on a plan at the time to build some 2,500 housing units there.

Continued : http://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/.premium-1.736748