It was revealed today (Sunday) that in a Cabinet meeting absented by a significant number of Likud MKs, 14,000 housing units for Arabs were approved to be built next to Qalqilya on Area C land intended for Jews. This would double the city's size and bring it closer to neighboring Jewish towns, compromising their security.
Among the absent MKs were Environmental Protection Minister Zeev Elkin (Likud), Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan (Likud), and Transportation Minister Yisrael Katz (Likud).
Activists for the Knesset's Lobby for the Land of Israel insisting Cabinet members stop giving "carrots" in the form of land to Palestinian Arabs. However, the proposal to build 14,000 housing units for Arabs in Area C passed during a meeting which saw 40% of the Cabinet members absent, including and especially those who were expected to oppose the proposal.
In addition, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu was apparently unaware of the scope of the proposal.
Tourism Minister Yariv Levin (Likud) said the details which are coming out seem to show serious underhandedness and opportunism amongst Cabinet members who wish to approve plans which oppose the government's declared policies.
Levin also said he is "certain" that the proposal should be reassessed.
Samaria Regional Council Head Yossi Dagan said, "I am embarrassed of the way such grave decisions are made in secret and behind the settlements' back."
"I am sorry, but I do not accept the politicians' attempt to pass the responsibility to someone else. Only the government is to blame, and the Cabinet in particular.
"I insist the government hold a new discussion on the topic, and cancel this dangerous and poorly thought-out decision."