Otzma Yehudit's Limor Son Har Melech strongly criticizes IDF, government for omitting three neighboring former settlements from military order allowing Israelis to reside in Homesh

State Department slams far-right minister for politicizing holy site with visit meant to show Israeli muscle; move paving way for resurrection of Homesh outpost also panned

Far-right minister Smotrich hails move paving way to reestablish settlement evacuated in 2005; rights group decries 'incentive for criminals, violation of international law'

Two men require hospitalization after attack near town of Burqa north of Nablus, allegedly by group from nearby illegal settlement of Homesh; shepherd also reportedly assaulted

Lawmakers and former residents celebrate first Independence Day since parts of 2005 Disengagement Law rolled back by Knesset: 'The true meaning of Jewish independence'

Indictment dropped against head of Homesh yeshiva and several others in light of partial repeal of 2005 law ordering evacuation of four northern West Bank settlements

Statement from Netanyahu's office comes as Israeli envoy is summoned over Knesset's repeal of part of Disengagement Law; not clear if commitment applies to Homesh outpost

Ambassador Mike Herzog holds unscheduled meeting with deputy secretary of state who conveys concern over legislation green-lighting resettlement in northern West Bank

US says bill allowing Israelis to return to settlements evacuated in 2005 violates commitment ex-PM Sharon made in exchange for Bush nodding at legitimacy of settlement blocs

Likud MK Yuli Edelstein, who sponsored the bill, hails 'significant step' to re-establishing Israeli presence in homeland areas; opposition MK labels law 'anti-Zionist'