Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon has approved continued renovation of a church compound in the southern West Bank that was purchased by representatives of U.S. billionaire Irving Moskowitz and earmarked for settlers.

On May 22, Haaretz reported that Moskowitz’s representatives had purchased the compound, opposite the Al-Arroub refugee camp, from an American Presbyterian church that built it in the late 1940s. The compound extends over 40 dunams (about 10 acres) and has eight structures. It was purchased from the U.S. church through a fictitious front – a Swedish entity masquerading as a church, headed by a Christian woman from Norway who is close to right-wing causes. In 2012, the asset was registered to a nonprofit association controlled by Moskowitz. Renovations began in March, ahead of reported plans to establish a settlement outpost there.

The Haaretz report took security officials by surprise. The army was unaware of the purchase and soldiers on patrol in the area were told the compound was being turned into a hostel.

After the report was published, the Civil Administration held a number of meetings, after which it was decided to stop the work and scrutinize the legality of the purchase. Right-wing activist Aryeh King, who is heading the work at the site for Moskowitz, agreed.

Early last week at a meeting in Ya’alon’s office, military lawyers told the defense minister they saw no legal impediment to continuing the renovation, as long as no changes were made to the facade of the building. Ya’alon accepted their position.

The defense minister’s approval would be required before anyone could move into the compound, and this has not been obtained so far. Nor has the matter been discussed. Ya’alon has not yet ruled on a request by the Gush Etzion Regional Council to have the compound placed under its jurisdiction.