Government, Nitzan residents reach deal
Residents of religious community slated to absorb Gush Katif evacuees withdraw court petition after government agrees that settlers would only remain in community for four years
TEL AVIV – Residents of Nitzan, a religious community slated to absorb Gush Katif would-be evacuees, withdrew their court petition against the State Sunday after striking a deal with government representatives.
The residents petitioned against the plan to house the settlers in their community on the grounds that the State built temporary residences in the area without consulting the community and without undertaking an orderly planning process, in violation of the law.
Environmental groups also joined the petition on the grounds that the new housing project undermines the environment.
In the last court debate on the matter, the court proposed that both sides reach an agreement before the judges hand down their ruling.
‘Residents pleased with deal’
According to the residents’ attorney, under the compromise it was agreed that the caravan site in the community would be temporary.
“The State recognizes that within four years the site would be evacuated, and in fact the caravans are designated for Gush Katif residents only,” he said. “The moment a resident of one of the caravans leaves, the caravan can also be removed.”
Should the government want to extend the four-year term stipulated in the agreement, it would need to receive the residents’ approval.
In addition, it was decided that the State would return the area’s status to a “green area” in the future.
Maintaining the community’s religious character was a very important aspect for local residents, particularly after secular settlers expressed their wish to move to Nitzan.
“In this matter, the decision was taken to maintain Nitzan’s religious character,” the attorney said, and added that residents were happy with the deal.
“The community does not object to the absorption of families from Gush Katif,” he said.
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