The Palestinian foreign ministry and a watchdog group condemned Israel’s recognition of 13 new settlements in the West Bank. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich hailed the move as a significant step toward Israeli sovereignty. The decision has intensified concerns regarding international law and land confiscation amid ongoing military operations. Peace Now emphasized the implications of establishing these settlements as independent communities.
In a recent development, the Palestinian foreign ministry and an anti-settlement organization voiced strong opposition to Israel’s recognition of over a dozen new settlements in the occupied West Bank. This decision, announced by Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, involves upgrading existing neighborhood settlements to independent status, a move deemed provocative given the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian tensions.
Smotrich, a far-right advocate for the annexation of the West Bank, characterized the government’s decision as an “important step” for enhancing Israeli presence in the territory. He emphasized that this change reflects a commitment to foster sovereignty in Judea and Samaria, the Israeli term for the West Bank.
Concerns regarding Israel’s military operations in the West Bank have intensified following a recent escalation attributed to attacks by Hamas militants. The Israeli military’s counter-terrorism activities and the reassured foothold in the region have contributed to the government’s stance against relinquishing control over the occupied land.
The Palestinian Authority condemned the Israeli security cabinet’s decision as a blatant disregard for international law and legitimacy. They highlighted the ongoing Israeli military campaign and the detrimental effects it has on Palestinian communities, particularly the significant land confiscations occurring alongside settlement expansions.
The anti-settlement group Peace Now criticized Israel’s prior assertions of only expanding neighborhoods instead of creating new settlements, highlighting the acknowledgment of these 13 settlements effectively contradicts those claims. This designation now allows them to function autonomously, receiving budget allocations and the ability to elect their governments.
The newly recognized settlements are dispersed throughout the West Bank, with some integrated into existing larger settlements and others standing independently. While the Israeli cabinet has approved their recognition under law, the final status remains uncertain. The Yesha Council praised Smotrich for facilitating this expansion, reflecting a broader trend of settlement growth, which has reached a 30-year high in permit issuance according to EU figures.
In summary, Israel’s recent recognition of new settlements in the West Bank has incited significant backlash from Palestinian authorities and activist groups. The move raises concerns regarding compliance with international law and exacerbates tensions in the region, particularly due to escalating military actions. As settlements are set to receive autonomous governance and budgetary support, the implications for future Israeli-Palestinian relations may be profound, particularly in light of the controversial historical context of land occupation.
Original Source: www.arabnews.pk
