(JNS) Illegal Palestinian construction in the Israeli-controlled regions of Judea and Samaria, known collectively as “Area C,” increased by 80% over the past year, according to a new report by Israeli NGO Regavim.
According to the report, titled “The War of Attrition,” 5,535 illegal Palestinian structures have been built in Area C during Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz’s tenure.
Meanwhile, Regavim pegs the total number of illegal Arab-built structures in Area C at 80,000.
Brussels has long been accused of funding illegal Palestinian building in Area C, even as it maintains a policy of discouraging the construction of homes for Israelis in the territory.
“Gantz is not merely abandoning Judea and Samaria, he is actively establishing a de facto Palestinian state. Israeli voters should make no mistake; the upcoming elections are about one thing: will a Palestinian state arise in the heart of the Land of Israel,” the group wrote in a statement posted to Facebook.