The Israeli government has announced the recognition of 13 new settlements in the West Bank, which has been met with condemnation from the Palestinian Authority and the watchdog group Peace Now. This decision promotes further Israeli settlement expansion while raising concerns about its legality under international law and its implications for regional stability.
The Palestinian foreign ministry and the anti-settlement watchdog group, Peace Now, condemned Israel’s recent approval to recognize over a dozen new settlements in the occupied West Bank. This decision includes designating 13 Jewish settlements as independent from neighboring communities, led by Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
Mr. Smotrich, a far-right politician advocating for the annexation of the West Bank, described this plan as a vital advancement for Israeli settlements, asserting that it is a step towards actual sovereignty in the region known as Judea and Samaria.
Israel’s ongoing opposition to ceding control of the West Bank has intensified, attributed to security concerns following attacks from Hamas militants. This decision followed a significant increase in the approval of housing units throughout the West Bank, prompting further Palestinian condemnation of Israeli actions as violations of international law.
The foreign ministry of the Palestinian Authority denounced the decision as a blatant disregard for international legitimacy and emphasized the ongoing Israeli military operations in the northern West Bank, which are reportedly leading to heightened land confiscation from Palestinians.
Peace Now highlighted that the recognition of settlements as separate entities contradicts Israel’s claims of only establishing neighborhoods. They reported that this move officially recognizes the number of settlements deemed illegal by the international community, increasing it to 140 and allowing these settlements to function independently under Israeli law.
The Arab-Israeli settlements designated as independent by the Israeli cabinet are dispersed across the West Bank, some contiguous with larger settlements while others stand alone. The Yesha Council applauded this decision and acknowledged Smotrich’s influence in promoting settlement expansion. Recent EU statistics indicate that 2023 has witnessed a record high in the issuance of settlement building permits, marking a concerning trend in the region.
In summary, the Israeli government’s recognition of new settlements in the West Bank has drawn significant criticism from Palestinian officials and advocacy groups. This decision, viewed as a violation of international law, raises concerns regarding intensified Israeli settlement expansion and the implications for regional peace. The situation reflects deepening tensions as Israel continues to carry out military operations and bolster settlement activities, despite growing international scrutiny.
Original Source: www.arabnews.pk
