The New York Times · 11 May 1976

CP-1976-025

ISRAEL PLANNING TO SETTLE MORE OF OCCUPIED LAND

Cabinet Examines Program for ‘More Than a Dozen’ Places in Coming Years | THREE AREAS AFFECTED | Golan, West Bank and Gaza to Get New Communities Under the Proposals

By TERENCE SMITH

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Transcribed from the clipping

JERUSALEM, May 10—Israel is drawing up plans for the establishment of a large number of new settlements in occupied Arab territory over the next several years, government officials familiar with the plans said today.

The settlements, which are to range from small agricultural villages to industrial towns, are to be located in the Golan Heights, the Jordan valley and other parts of the West Bank, and the Rafah area of the Gaza Strip. There are already 68 Israeli settlements in occupied territory.

The officials declined to disclose exactly how many new settlements are contemplated or their precise locations. One official said “more than a dozen” were involved, while others suggested that the program would eventually include several dozen. Each new settlement will have to be approved by the Government before it is established.

But this is largely a formality, since a broad consensus already exists within the Cabinet in favor of intensified Israeli settlement in the Arab lands captured in 1967. The whole settlement policy remains a source of controversy at home and abroad.

It is opposed by Israeli doves and has been criticized by the United States as an obstacle to a negotiated peace with the Arab states. Referring to this today, one official described Israeli policy as a “calculated risk” of confrontation with the United States. Nonetheless, he said, the Government appears determined to press ahead with the new settlements.

The plans for these new settlements were outlined to the Cabinet yesterday at the outset of a 10-hour debate on settlement policy.

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