The Israeli cabinet approved recognition of 13 new West Bank settlements, sparking condemnation from Palestinian officials and anti-settlement groups. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich hailed the decision as critical for Israel’s claims in the West Bank. This move reflects ongoing tensions and challenges related to settlement expansion, international law, and regional security.
Recent Israeli developments have sparked outrage from the Palestinian foreign ministry and anti-settlement advocate groups. On a Sunday announcement, Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich declared that the security cabinet had approved the classification of over a dozen existing neighborhoods as independent settlements within the occupied West Bank. This separation initiative involves 13 Jewish settlements, signifying a shift in Israel’s approach towards settlement policy in the region.
Smotrich, known for his far-right stances, views this decision as pivotal for advancing Israeli settlements in the West Bank. He is a prominent proponent of annexing the region, echoing Israel’s actions following the capture of East Jerusalem in 1967, which most of the international community has not recognized. On social media, he affirmed that these neighborhoods would soon be officially recognized as separate settlements, coinciding with the broader push for additional housing units across West Bank territory.
Emphasizing a proactive stance, Smotrich stated, “We continue to lead a revolution of normalization and regulation in the settlements. Instead of hiding and apologizing – we raise the flag, build and settle.” His comments reflect a determination to assert Israeli sovereignty in Judea and Samaria, the Israeli appellation for the West Bank.
The acknowledgment of new settlements plays into Israel’s security concerns following a violent attack by Hamas militants on October 7, 2023. Consequently, Israeli military operations have intensified in the West Bank, targeting suspected militants in what Israel describes as counter-terrorism efforts, further complicating the political landscape.
The Palestinian Authority strongly criticized the Israeli cabinet’s decision, signaling a blatant disregard for international norms and resolutions while highlighting the increasing military operations and land confiscation occurring within the West Bank. About three million Palestinians coexist with nearly 500,000 Israelis in settlements deemed illegal by international law since Israel’s occupation began in 1967.
Peace Now labeled the Israeli recognition of the 13 new settlements as a significant deception, contrasting declared intentions of merely expanding neighborhoods with the reality of establishing new settlements. The organization noted that this addition raises the total settlements considered illegal to 140, which will now operate with their own budgets and governance.
The newly recognized settlements are spread throughout the West Bank. While some are integrated into larger settlement contexts, others maintain distinct community identities. Despite cabinet approval, this classification remains provisional and awaits final resolution.
The Yesha Council, representing West Bank settlements, praised Smotrich’s efforts to push forward the cabinet decision, celebrating the momentum of settlement expansion. Reports indicate that 2023 marked a peak in settlement construction permits, reaching levels not seen in three decades, according to European Union statistics.
The recent Israeli cabinet’s classification of new settlements in the West Bank has drawn significant international criticism, particularly from Palestinian officials and anti-settlement groups. This decision demonstrates a firm commitment from Israel to pursue settlement expansion, which poses serious implications for peace and regional stability. The situation continues to evolve amidst the backdrop of ongoing Israeli military operations and heightened tensions in the region, reflecting broader issues of legitimacy and international response to settlement activities.
Original Source: www.arabnews.pk
