.. peace plan at work .....
https://www.yahoo.com/news/israel-se...257.html?nhp=1
Jerusalem (AFP) - Israel has declared 234 hectares of West Bank territory as state land, officials said Tuesday, leading a watchdog to warn of possible settlement expansion that could increase tensions with Palestinians.
COGAT, the Israeli defence ministry body responsible for implementing government policies in the Palestinian territories, said the move was taken "in accordance with the decision of the political level".
It gave no further explanation nor more details, but settlement watchdog Peace Now said the land involved is south of the Palestinian city of Jericho and close to the Dead Sea.
Peace Now said the land -- equivalent in size to more than 250 international football pitches -- is the biggest reclassification since a seizure of 400 hectares in 2014.
The NGO said the order to seize the land was signed on March 10 as US Vice President Joe Biden wrapped up a visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories, though COGAT refused to comment on the timing.
Palestinians who claim ownership of the land can appeal the decision within 45 days.
Peace Now said the land could help link up and potentially expand local Jewish settlements.
"This declaration is a de-facto confiscation of Palestinian lands for the purpose of settlement," a statement said.
"Instead of trying to calm the situation, the government is adding fuel to the fire."
