Israel Approves Record Expansion of West Bank Settlements, Jeopardizing Peace Prospects
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Israel has authorized the construction of 19 new Jewish settlements in the occupied west Bank, a move that considerably escalates tensions and further diminishes the possibility of a viable Palestinian state. This decision brings the total number of new settlements approved in recent years to 69 – a new record – and underscores a dramatic shift in Israeli policy toward the disputed territory.
The approval, secured by the security cabinet on Sunday, will allow for the construction of over 4,700 housing units. The number of settlement units currently under construction now stands at 210.
“This is a intentional effort to change the facts on the ground,” stated a senior political analyst. “The expansion isn’t simply about housing; it’s about solidifying control and making a two-state solution increasingly unattainable.”
Retroactive Legalization and Resettlement Efforts
the cabinet’s decision extends beyond new construction, including the retroactive legalization of previously established settlement outposts and neighborhoods within existing settlements. Notably, the plan also facilitates the creation of settlements on land from which Palestinians had been previously evacuated. The finance ministry confirmed that two settlements – Kadim and Ganim – which were dismantled in 2005 as part of Israel’s withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, are among those being re-established.
These resettlements are occurring after the Israeli government repealed, in March 2023, the 2005 act that had evacuated the four outposts and prohibited Israeli re-entry into the areas. This reversal signals a clear intent to reverse previous disengagement policies and expand Israeli presence throughout the West Bank.
International Law and US Concerns
settlements are considered illegal under international law, a position consistently maintained by the united Nations and much of the international community. This latest expansion directly contradicts international consensus and raises serious concerns about Israel’s commitment to a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The timing of the announcement is especially sensitive, coinciding with US efforts to broker a second phase of the Gaza ceasefire, which began on October 10th. The US-brokered plan envisions a potential “pathway” to a Palestinian state, a goal that is demonstrably undermined by continued settlement expansion.
escalating Violence in the West Bank
The surge in settlement activity is occurring against a backdrop of escalating violence in the West Bank. In recent months, there has been a marked increase in attacks against Palestinians, particularly during the October olive harvest. The UN humanitarian office reported an average of eight settler attacks per day during the harvest – the highest number recorded since data collection began in 2006. These attacks continued into November, with at least 136 incidents recorded by November 24th.
Settlers have been accused of burning cars, desecrating mosques, ransacking industrial plants, and destroying Palestinian cropland.Despite these escalating incidents, Israeli authorities have largely responded with only occasional condemnations.
Recent Fatal Clashes
On Saturday night, two Palestinians were killed in clashes with Israeli forces in the northern west Bank, according to the Palestinian health ministry in Ramallah. One of the deceased was identified as Rayan Abu Muallah, a 16-year-old. Palestinian media released security footage appearing to show the youth emerging from an alley and being shot by troops as he approached them without throwing anything.the Israeli military stated the incident is under review.
The second Palestinian killed was identified as Ahmad Ziyoud, 22. The Israeli military reported that a militant was shot after throwing a block at troops in Qabatiya, and another was killed after hurling explosives at troops in Silat al-Harithiya.
Increased Military Operations
Israel’s military has significantly scaled up operations in the West Bank as the October 7th, 2023, Hamas-led attack that initiated the war in Gaza. This intensified military presence, coupled with the expansion of settlements and the rise in settler violence, paints a grim picture for the future of the region and the prospects for a lasting peace. The current trajectory suggests a deepening entrenchment of the Israeli presence in the West bank, further complicating any future negotiations toward a two-state solution.
