In recent years, the phenomenon of establishing horse farms in settlements in the West Bank has been gaining momentum. No wonder: space is bountiful and enforcement in most cases is but a pipe dream. Such a reality is a paradise for all sorts of entrepreneurs and individuals who have pocket change and their heart's desire is to build a farm or a private stable behind their house - a dream about which the vast majority of Israelis who live within the Green Line can only dream.

 

Our new report is the first attempt to map the phenomenon of farm and stable construction in the West Bank, many of which were built illegally, often through taking over territory owned by Palestinians who are prevented from accessing their lands. The report reveals, among other things, how all four national Israeli Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) that participate in the funding of therapeutic riding lessons, have become critical agents in the increased amount of horse farms in the settlements — including illegally constructed farms.

 

The primary (and not surprising) conclusion that arises from this report is twofold:

 

A. Horse farms have become yet another means used by settlers to take over territories surrounding settlements.

 

B. As with other types of illegal activity in which settlers are involved, in the case of some horse farms, too, the state indirectly participates in subsidizing the illegal takeover.