Cablegate: Settlers Confirm Plan to Build New Units in Elkana

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O 211217Z APR 08
FM AMCONSUL JERUSALEM
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 1257
INFO RUEHXK/ARAB ISRAELI COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
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SUBJECT: SETTLERS CONFIRM PLAN TO BUILD NEW UNITS IN ELKANA

1. (SBU) Responding to press reports of new construction
planned in Elkana and Ariel, YESHA contacts said the Israeli
Ministry of Defense (MoD) approved tenders on April 17 for 52
units in Elkana and 48 in Ariel. These contacts said the
Elkana development involves converting 52 "cubiot" caravans
to permanent housing, and allows detailed planning for
utilities to proceed. They said Elkana's proximity to Tel
Aviv (about a 20-minute commute) will cause the new units to
"sell like hotcakes," noting that all 80 units recently
constructed in nearby Oranit settlement sold "overnight."

2. (SBU) YESHA contacts said the Elkana development was
initially planned 3 or 4 years ago, and is one of several
constructions plans awaiting approval. Local press quoted
Elkana Local Council head Yehuda Cohen noting that Elkana has
a separate plan for 100 units awaiting MoD review.
DUFFY

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