Israel’s Approval of Thousands of New Settlement Homes in Occupied West Bank Sparks Global Condemnation
Israel’s recent approval of thousands of new settlement homes in the occupied West Bank has ignited a wave of global condemnation. The move, which includes permits for nearly 3,500 illegal settlement housing units, has drawn criticism from countries that have traditionally been allies of Tel Aviv. This decision marks the first such approval since Israel’s war on Gaza commenced in October last year.
Israeli settlements in the West Bank have long been viewed as a violation of international law and a significant obstacle to Palestinian statehood. The international community has consistently condemned these settlements, considering them illegitimate. The latest constructions, planned in Maale Adumim, Kedar, and Efrat, are reportedly in response to a shooting incident that targeted illegal settlers in February.
Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who oversees civil affairs in the West Bank, expressed defiance in the face of criticism. “The enemies try to harm and weaken us, but we will continue to build and be built up in this land,” Smotrich stated confidently.
The recent approvals add to the already significant number of housing units in illegal settlements approved over the past year. In total, 18,515 units have been given the green light, further exacerbating tensions between Israel and Palestine.
Unsurprisingly, the Palestinian Authority’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has vehemently denounced the settlements as illegal and illegitimate. The ministry argues that these constructions only perpetuate the cycle of violence. They have called for swift international sanctions against Israel and have specifically named National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich as individuals responsible for deepening and funding illegal settlements.
Hamas, the ruling group in the Gaza Strip, has also condemned Israel’s move, viewing it as part of a broader plan to control Palestinian land and isolate its people. In a statement, Hamas dismissed the declaration as baseless and called on the United Nations to take punitive action against Israel and its leaders.
The international community has joined in the chorus of condemnation. Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs labeled the settlements unilateral and illegal, violating international law and undermining peace efforts. Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that such actions pose a serious threat to international efforts aimed at implementing the two-state solution.
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stressed the need to provide hope for the Palestinian people and enable them to establish their state within the 1967 borders. Germany, too, has expressed its disapproval, urging Israel to withdraw its plans and deeming them a serious violation of international law.
Even the United States, traditionally a staunch ally of Israel, has criticized the settlement expansion. Secretary of State Antony Blinken referred to the plans as “illegal, disappointing, and counterproductive to achieving enduring peace.” He emphasized the administration’s firm opposition to settlement expansion, asserting that it weakens Israel’s security. However, Blinken did not outline any tangible consequences that Israel may face for its actions.
As global condemnation mounts, it remains to be seen how Israel will respond to the backlash. The construction of new settlement homes in the occupied West Bank continues to be a contentious issue, further complicating efforts to achieve a lasting peace between Israel and Palestine.