Israel demolishes unauthorized outpost
Jewish settlers watch Israeli border police after they demolished seven structures in the outpost of Maoz Esther, a hilltop site northeast of Ramallah, in the West Bank. The forces moved against the outpost, comprising about 40 people living in seven metal huts, three days after
Israeli settlers sit among their possessions after the demolition of the illegal outpost Maoz Ester, in the West Bank. The group Peace Now says more than 280,000 Jewish settlers live in 120 settlements and about 100 outposts in the West Bank, which Israel captured in the 1967 Middle East War. All the settlements are regarded illegal under international law, but Israel distinguishes between settlements authorized by the government and those built without authorization. (Kobi Gideon / EPA)
Jewish settlers sit with their belongings amid the remains of the makeshift homes they had built illegally in the West Bank. Every time they demolish it, it is rebuilt and that is what comforts me, a resident, Emuna Ben-Yona told the Associated Press. (Sebastian Scheiner / Associated Press)
Israeli Jewish settlers begin to rebuild a structure demolished by Israeli troops in Maoz Esther. The U.S. has long criticized all settlements as obstacles to peace, since they are built on captured land that the Palestinians claim for a future state. (Sebastian Scheiner / Associated Press)
An Israeli Jewish settler loads a car with belongings removed before the demolition of of Maoz Esther. Despite Netanyahu’s pledges to remove illegal outposts, he believes that settlements authorized by the Israeli government should continue to expand to allow for what Israel calls natural growth of the population. (Sebastian Scheiner / Associated Press)
Israeli border police officers leave after they demolished all seven structures in Maoz Esther. Israeli peace activist Dror Etkes said dismantling Maoz Esther one of the newest, smallest outposts was a tiny gesture. It is far, far away from being something significant in changing the reality in the West Bank, he said. (Sebastian Scheiner / Associated Press)
