Israel’s “Legalization Law” – Rule of Settlements over Rule of Law

[Update Feb 6, 2017: This afternoon the Knesset passed the "Legalization Law." APN's statement condemning the law is here.]

The Israeli Knesset is poised to vote on legislation that would legalize Israeli settlement construction that is illegal under Israeli law and located on land that even the Israeli government recognizes as privately owned by Palestinians. APN’s backgrounder on the bill is here. Key points to understand:

  • This legislation removes even the façade that Israel as a nation respects the “rule of law” when it comes to the activities of settlers.
  • Passage of this legislation will send a message to the settlers that there are literally no limits on what they can do in terms of construction in the occupied territories.
  • Passage of this legislation will send a message to the Israeli public and the world that Israel no longer respects the “rule of law” – a cornerstone of democracy, under which laws apply equally to all – but instead ascribes openly to “rule by law” – the foundation of authoritarianism, under which laws are imposed selectively and tailored to serve the interests and limit the rights of specific groups.

American Jews who support Israel – not merely its existence but its existence as a democracy that reflects the progressive Jewish values articulated by its founders in its Declaration of Independence – should be appalled at the prospect of Israel adopting this brazenly undemocratic legislation.

**Take action! Tell Prime Minister Netanyahu to Block the Legalization Bill**

Learn More About the "Legalization Bill"

APN Explainer, updated 1/31/17: Israel’s settlement “Legalization Bill”: What it is and what it means

Peace Now 1/29/17: Legalization Law Will Stain Israel’s Law Books

Peace Now Backgrounder 11/29/16: Peace Now Settlement Watch Exposes the Implications of The Regulation Bill on The Reality on The Ground in a New Report

APN Press release 1/24: Press Release: APN to Trump: Don't be a "Freier"