STATEMENT FROM HOUSING AND CONSTRUCTION MINISTER HERZOG'S BUREAU
(Communicated by the Construction and Housing Minister's Bureau)
Tuesday, 15 February, 2005

In response to reports in the foreign media, stemming from an item that was
broadcast on Israel Radio this morning (Tuesday), 15.2.05, to the effect
that Housing and Construction Minister Isaac Herzog is initiating the
establishment of a new community in Gush Etzion, Minister Herzog's Bureau
wishes to make the following points unequivocally clear:

1. Minister Herzog's visit to Gush Etzion today was mainly designed to hold
a frank discussion with the Yesha Council leadership in the context of the
severe tension regarding the Disengagement Plan and its approval by the
Government.

2. The meeting with the Yesha Council leadership did not - in any way - deal
with issues regarding the development or promotion of communities in Judea
and Samaria and the relocation of settlers who will be evacuated from the
Gaza Strip. The meeting, in its entirety, focused on the democratic
struggle, threats against ministers' lives, incitement and the anticipated
votes.

3. The issue of establishing a new community in Gush Etzion was not
discussed at all during the visit. The Housing and Construction Ministry is
not promoting such a plan even though Minister Herzog notes that Gush Etzion
is considered a settlement bloc that is recognized as part of the State of
Israel according to the December 2000 Clinton outline.