Jericho:The Israeli army has decided to leave settlers in eight houses in Jericho without providing protection, following a security review by the Central Command. The settlers were transferred to the site within Area (C) a week ago without prior coordination with the army.
According to Maan News Agency, the review, reported by Israeli Channel 13, concluded that there is no immediate security threat justifying the evacuation of the settlers. Although the army will not provide protection to these settlers, it plans to increase the military presence in a nearby outpost from a platoon to a company.
The Civil Administration is examining the ownership of the land on which the houses were built and the possibility of purchasing it. The army noted that the buildings were constructed illegally, and demolition orders have been issued, similar to other structures in the West Bank. However, due to ongoing legal proceedings, demolitions are not anticipated in the near future, allowing settlers to remain for now until the case is fully reviewed.