Israel lawmakers give initial approval to bill legalising settler homesNovember 16, 2016 - 18:03 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Israel's parliament gave initial approval on Wednesday, November 16 to a controversial bill to legalise thousands of West Bank settler homes, a measure that has drawn international anger and divided the government, AFP reports. The measure which would apply to an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 Jewish homes in the occupied West Bank requires three more full parliamentary votes to become law. There have been reports that a behind-the-scenes compromise could see the bill now stall. The vote in the Knesset, or parliament, was 58-50. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu initially opposed the bill, fearing an international backlash and legal implications, but voted in favour on Wednesday. Netanyahu faces pressure to hold his right-wing coalition together and not be seen as moving against the powerful settler movement. There were reports that Netanyahu had reached a compromise with Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon, who had threatened not to vote, that could see the bill stall. Kahlon, whose centre-right Kulanu party controls 10 seats, voted for Wednesday's initial backing but said he would withdraw support in the future if it "harms" the country's high court. The statement was a reference to the West Bank Jewish outpost of Amona, which is under a high court order to be demolished by December 25 because it was built on private Palestinian land. The bill would legalise Amona, where some 40 families live, along with other homes built on private Palestinian land in the occupied West Bank. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |