The Israeli government recognized over a dozen new settlements in the West Bank, prompting criticism from Palestinian authorities and watchdog groups. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich defended the decision as essential for Israeli sovereignty, even as it contradicts international law. This move reflects broader trends of settlement expansion, with significant implications for regional stability and Palestinian rights.
The Palestinian foreign ministry and the anti-settlement group, Peace Now, criticized Israel’s recent decision to recognize over a dozen new settlements in the occupied West Bank. This move involves upgrading existing neighborhoods to independent settlement status, further heightening tensions amid ongoing military operations in the region.
Israel’s Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, announced on X that the security cabinet had approved separating 13 Jewish settlements from neighboring communities. Smotrich, a right-wing leader advocating for the annexation of the West Bank, described this development as an “important step” for settlement activity.
He emphasized Israel’s commitment to establishing sovereignty in Judea and Samaria, the Hebrew name for the West Bank. Smotrich’s announcement follows a significant increase in housing developments across the area and reflects Israel’s long-standing intent to maintain its control over the West Bank amidst security concerns following the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas.
The Palestinian Authority denounced the decision, labeling it as a blatant disregard for international law. Approximately three million Palestinians live in the West Bank, alongside nearly 500,000 Israelis in settlements deemed illegal by the majority of the global community.
In a statement, the Palestinian foreign ministry highlighted the correlation between the new settlement approvals and an increase in land confiscations in the West Bank. Concurrently, Peace Now argued this decision contradicts Israel’s previous claims of merely developing neighborhoods. The group asserted this recognition of settlements elevates the total illegal settlements to 140, with the potential for greater autonomy and budgetary independence for these areas.
The settlements under consideration vary in their connection to larger settlement communities, and their status under Israeli law is still pending formal confirmation. The Yesha Council, representing West Bank municipal councils, expressed gratitude toward Smotrich for advancing the settlement expansion agenda, reinforcing the recent trend of heightened permit approvals for new developments, which have reached a 30-year high according to EU statistics.
Israel’s recent decision to recognize new settlements raises significant concerns regarding international law and Palestinian land rights. The approval may further escalate tensions in the West Bank and signal a shift toward increased autonomy for these settlements, despite widespread international condemnation of such actions. Continued monitoring and dialogue will be essential in addressing the complexities of the situation.
Original Source: www.arabnews.pk
