How did the Israeli government perform in 2008 in terms of enforcing the rule of law on settlers?
Enforcement of the rule of law on settlers in 2008 was at best limited and most of the time non-existent. The clearest evidence of this is the fact that in 2008 at least 34 permanent structures and 227 new caravans were erected or placed in illegal outposts. This, despite the government of Israel’s declared intent to enforce the rule of law on settlers. Indeed, on October 27th 2008, the State submitted to the High Court of Justice a list of actions Defense Minister Ehud Barak had undertaken, ostensibly to demonstrate that the government of Israel was making an intensive enforcement effort against illegal construction. The list detailed 31 incidents in which tin shacks and other temporary structures were evacuated or demolished, and groups of youngsters who were demonstrating on hilltops were dispersed. However, notwithstanding the supposed Israeli commitment to enforce the rule of law, the list did not include a single demolition of an illegally-built permanent structure at any outpost
