Introduction to the translated version of the Speigel report.
“Spiegel database” of West Bank settlements and outposts Developed by the Israeli Ministry of Defense
Enclosed are translations of excerpts from a classified Israeli government database never before released to the public. This database has been in assembly since 2004, when then-Minister of Defense Shaul Mofaz tasked Brigadier General (Res.) Baruch Spiegel with building a database to include up-to-date reference for all statutory aspects of settlements and outposts in the West Bank.
The report data demonstrates:
Over 30 settlements – including longstanding settlements such as Ariel, Kochav Yaakov, Beit El, Elon Moreh and Ofrah – that were to some extent built on private Palestinian land.
Construction activity within settlements being conducted without necessary building permits or in direct violation of the building plans.
The extent and locations of unauthorized building in outposts across the West Bank.
