Migron residents, Israel reach agreement

MIGRON, West Bank, Feb. 13 (UPI) -- Residents of the illegal West Bank settlement Migron said Monday they've reached agreement with the Israeli government to move to a nearby location.

The settlement will be built on a nearby hill on government-owned land, Ynetnews reported.

Under the agreement, existing Migron homes won't be razed until the relocation of residents is complete, within 18 months.

The Israeli civil administration will decide what to do with structures at the existing Migron location. Palestinians claim ownership of the site.

Peace Now Director Yariv Oppenheimer, who had asked the High Court of Justice to have Migron residents evicted, said the deal is "in direct violation" of a court order requiring the settlement be emptied by the end of March.

"Erecting a new isolated settlement, deep within the territories, which will cost millions, goes against Israeli interests and is meant only to appease a radical minority of settlers," Oppenheimer said.