Israel Approves 19 New Settlements in the Occupied West Bank
Overview of the Approval
Israel’s security cabinet has greenlit the recognition of 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank. This action marks a continuation of the government’s aggressive expansion of settlements, amid rising tensions in the region.
– Proponents of the Move: The proposal was spearheaded by far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who is a settler himself, and Defence Minister Israel Katz. Smotrich indicated that the decision is aimed at obstructing the establishment of a Palestinian state.
– International Law Context: These Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank are widely deemed illegal under international law, raising significant concerns among global leaders and organizations.
Global Reactions
The announcement has drawn sharp condemnation:
– Saudi Arabia: Expressed disapproval of Israel’s actions.
– UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres: Commented on the relentless nature of settlement expansion, stressing that it amplifies tensions, restricts Palestinian access to land, and undermines the feasibility of a sovereign Palestinian state.
Escalating Violence and Tensions
Since the onset of the conflict in Gaza in October 2023, violence in the West Bank has surged, intensifying fears that ongoing settlement expansion may further entrench Israel’s occupation and jeopardize the potential for a two-state solution.
– Defining the Two-State Solution: This concept envisions the establishment of a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem as its capital, broadly reflecting the territorial boundaries prior to the 1967 Arab-Israeli war.
Settlement Expansion Trends
Under the current Israeli government, which took office in 2022, the approval process for new settlements has notably accelerated, with a significant increase in the legal recognition of unauthorized outposts as neighborhoods within existing settlements.
– Recent Developments: This latest approval raises the total number of newly sanctioned settlements over the past three years to 69, according to Smotrich. Notably, the latest approvals include the re-establishment of two settlements—Ganim and Kadim—that were dismantled nearly 20 years ago.
– Past Approvals: Earlier this year, in May, Israel approved 22 new settlements—the most extensive expansion in decades. Additionally, plans were unveiled in August to construct more than 3,000 homes as part of the controversial E1 project between Jerusalem and the Maale Adumim settlement, which had been previously stalled due to international opposition.
Living Conditions of Settlers
Approximately 700,000 settlers reside in around 160 settlements across the West Bank and East Jerusalem, as reported by the Israeli anti-settlement organization Peace Now. This territory is specifically sought after by Palestinians for their envisioned independent state.
Implications for Regional Relations
The ongoing expansion of settlements has incited anger among Arab nations, which argue that it undermines the viability of a two-state solution. Concerns over the potential annexation of the occupied West Bank linger, with past warnings from figures like former U.S. President Donald Trump cautioning that such actions would lead to a withdrawal of U.S. support for Israel.
– International Response: In September, the UK, along with countries like Australia and Canada, formally recognized a Palestinian state, representing a noteworthy, albeit symbolic, shift in international policy. Israel firmly opposes this recognition, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserting that a Palestinian state will not happen.
Conclusion
The approval of 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank highlights the complexities surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As global reactions intensify, the implications of this settlement expansion may further complicate efforts toward achieving a peaceful resolution and the realization of a sustainable two-state solution.