Right wing Israeli ministers have threatened to block Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman from authorising the construction of a Palestinian building in the occupied West Bank.
Protesting ministers:
- Uri Ariel, Jewish Home
- Ayelet Shaked, Jewish Home
- Ze’ev Elkin, Likud
- Yariv Levin, Likud
In a letter to Lieberman, the four lawmakers said Lieberman’s plan violates coalition guidelines and should only be approved if settler constructions are also permitted.
Lieberman’s plan in Area C of the West Bank, which is under Israeli military control, calls for the construction of two Palestinian soccer fields, an industrial park outside of Nablus and a hospital in Beit Sahour.
He said he does not intend to allow Palestinians to build another city.
The four ministers demanded a debate in the cabinet before such steps would be authorised.