All articles tagged with #west bank settlements
Thirteen European countries and Japan condemned Israel's approval of 19 new West Bank settlements, citing violations of international law and risks to regional stability, amid increased settler violence and Israeli government expansion in the occupied territories.
The Biden administration imposed sanctions on two West Bank settlements and three Israeli citizens due to acts of violence against Palestinians, marking the first time economic restrictions have been placed on entire Israeli outposts in the Palestinian territory. The move comes amid rising tensions between the Biden administration and the Israeli government over the continued violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank and the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The sanctions block access to U.S. property or assets and prohibit financial institutions from working with those targeted, and were issued under an executive order signed by Biden in February that allowed the United States to target people who undermined peace, security, and stability in the West Bank.
The U.S. and Israel appear to be at odds as President Biden seeks a cease-fire in Gaza while Israeli Defense Minister Gallant insists military operations will continue until all hostages are freed. The Biden administration has criticized Israel's approach, with Defense Secretary Austin warning of strategic defeat due to heavy-handed tactics and Secretary of State Blinken condemning new settlements in the West Bank as inconsistent with international law. However, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has not reined in extremist members of his Cabinet pursuing settlement expansion, highlighting a growing disconnect between the two allies.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has given Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, an ultranationalist advocate of settlements, practically all control over planning approval for construction in West Bank settlements, according to a controversial resolution passed by the government. The decision also expedites and eases the process for expanding existing West Bank settlements and retroactively legalizing some illegal outposts. Settlement leaders praised the move, while opponents warned it would allow for unchecked expansion of the settlements and constituted further “de facto annexation” of the West Bank.