Far-right of Israel government has drawn criticism for its aggressive expansion of illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank. In the first six months of its tenure, the government has set a new record for approving construction, according to Peace Now, a left-wing Israeli movement. Peace Now reported that a staggering 12,855 settler housing units have been approved, the highest number since monitoring began in 2012. This underscores the government’s focus on promoting the settlement enterprise as its top priority.
The Israeli Higher Planning Council (HPC) has convened three times this year to advance construction plans, demonstrating the government’s clear commitment to settlement expansions.
Last month, thousands of new housing units were approved in the occupied West Bank, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich was granted significant powers to expedite settlement construction, bypassing long-standing measures. In late June, the Ministry of Defense planning committee, responsible for overseeing settlement construction, greenlit over 5,000 new settlement homes. Similar approvals were also granted in February and May.
Criticism of Israel’s settlement policies has intensified in recent weeks, particularly from the United States. However, there is little indication that this will result in a shift in US policy towards Israel. Presently, more than 700,000 Israelis reside in illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank and occupied East Jerusalem, which were captured by Israel in 1967. Meanwhile, over three million Palestinians live under Israeli military rule in the same region. Numerous human rights groups have drawn parallels between this system and apartheid, further fueling concerns over the situation.
The expansion of illegal settlements poses a significant challenge to the prospects of a two-state solution and the eventual establishment of a viable Palestinian state. These actions not only violate international law but also contribute to increased tensions between Israelis and Palestinians, further complicating the prospects for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The continued growth of settlements hampers the ability to achieve a negotiated settlement and undermines the trust and confidence necessary for meaningful dialogue between the two sides.
The international community has repeatedly called for a halt to settlement construction, viewing it as an obstacle to peace. However, without a change in policy and stronger international pressure, it is unlikely that Israel’s far-right government will alter its course. The situation calls for diplomatic efforts to revive meaningful negotiations and create conditions conducive to a just and lasting resolution that respects the rights and aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians.
