Israel Grants Pro-Settlement Firebrand Authority over Planning in West Bank
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel’s government has granted a pro-settlement firebrand authority over planning in the occupied West Bank and lifted red tape on the settlement housing approval process. This move makes it easier for Israel to expand its settlements on land that the Palestinians seek as the heartland of their future state, further diminishing hopes for peace.
The decision was approved by the government on Sunday, coinciding with the visit of U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Barbara Leaf, who is responsible for Middle East affairs. The U.S. State Department expressed concern over Israel’s action, stating that it opposes unilateral actions that hinder the achievement of a two-state solution and obstruct peace.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry condemned the Israeli government’s decision and called on the international community to pressure Israel to halt its illegal unilateral measures.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has been given control over planning in West Bank settlements, a condition he had set to join the government. Traditionally, the authority over planning in the territory, which has been under a 56-year military occupation, lies with the country’s defense minister. Smotrich also serves as a minister within the Defense Ministry.
The decision also eliminates the need for approvals from the political echelon throughout the planning process, requiring only one initial approval. Critics argue that this not only normalizes construction in the West Bank, making it almost as simple as building anywhere in Israel proper, but also removes government oversight over sensitive building plans that can provoke international outrage.
A senior Israeli government official defended the move, stating that it will streamline the planning approvals process and make it “an effective two-step process.” The official emphasized that the authorization of construction in Judea and Samaria (West Bank) is still subject to the Prime Minister’s approval.
Israel’s Peace Now anti-settlement watchdog group criticized the decision for disregarding security and political considerations and perpetuating de facto annexation in the West Bank. This decision comes as an Israeli planning committee plans to seek approval for approximately 4,500 West Bank housing units in its upcoming meeting.
Israel captured the West Bank in the 1967 Mideast war and has since constructed numerous settlements, which are now home to over 500,000 Jewish settlers living alongside around 2.5 million Palestinians. Most of the international community considers these settlements illegal under international law and a major obstacle to peace with the Palestinians.
The Palestinians aspire to establish an independent state in the West Bank, along with the Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem.
In response to Israel’s decision, Hussein al-Sheikh, a top Palestinian leader, announced that the Palestinian Authority would boycott a joint economic meeting scheduled for Monday.
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The West Bank has been held by the Israeli military. Smotrich is a prominent advocate for the expansion of Jewish settlements in the occupied territory.
This decision comes as a blow to the already fragile peace process between Israel and the Palestinians. The establishment of new settlements in the West Bank is widely seen as a major obstacle to a two-state solution, as it further entrenches Israeli control and undermines any future Palestinian state.
The United States, which has traditionally been seen as a mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, expressed its concern over the move. The State Department stated that it opposes unilateral actions that impede the achievement of a two-state solution and hinder efforts towards peace.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry denounced the Israeli government’s decision and called on the international community to pressure Israel to cease its illegal unilateral measures. The Palestinians view the settlements as a violation of international law and a barrier to the establishment of their own independent state.
By granting Smotrich control over planning in the West Bank settlements, Israel is sending a clear message that it prioritizes the expansion of settlements over the prospects of a negotiated peace agreement. This decision is likely to further strain relations between Israel and the Palestinians and increase tensions in the region.
The international community, including the United States, must take a strong stance against Israel’s continued settlement expansion and emphasize the need for a negotiated solution that respects the rights and aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians. Without a genuine commitment to peace, the prospects for a resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remain bleak.
The decision by Israel to ease restrictions on settlement expansion in the West Bank is highly concerning for the already fragile peace process. This move only escalates tensions between Israel and Palestine, making it even more challenging to achieve a lasting peace agreement.
The expansion of settlements not only threatens the viability of a future Palestinian state but also undermines the basic principles of international law. It disregards UN resolutions and goes against the consensus among the international community that settlements are illegal and a major obstacle to peace.
These actions by Israel further deepen the mistrust between the two sides and make it increasingly difficult to negotiate a fair and sustainable solution. By expanding settlements, Israel not only violates the rights of Palestinians but also impedes the possibility of a two-state solution, which is widely seen as the only viable path to peace.
The international community must not turn a blind eye to these developments. It is crucial for world leaders to condemn Israel’s decision and exert pressure on both parties to engage in meaningful negotiations. The United States, as an influential player in the region, should take a more active role in mediating and ensuring that both Israel and Palestine adhere to the principles of the peace process.
It is imperative to remember that a lasting peace can only be achieved through negotiations, respect for international law, and mutual recognition. Israel’s decision to ease restrictions on settlement expansion undermines these principles, jeopardizing the future of a peaceful coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians.