Secretary of State Antony Blinken Reverses Trump’s Position on Israeli Settlements
Introduction
Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced a significant policy reversal on Israeli settlements in the West Bank, stating that they are “inconsistent with international law.” This represents a departure from the Trump administration’s stance on the issue, emphasizing the Biden administration’s opposition to settlement expansion. The decision comes in response to reports of the Israeli Prime Minister’s intended expansion plans, which have raised concerns about Israel’s security.
New Position on Settlements
Blinken made the announcement during a news conference in Argentina, reinforcing the administration’s strong opposition to settlement expansion. He emphasized that such expansion weakens Israel’s security rather than strengthening it, aligning the administration’s viewpoint with that of previous Republican and Democratic administrations, with the exception of Trump’s. The decision to reaffirm Washington’s position on settlements had undergone thorough research and planning as part of the administration’s growing unease with Israeli actions in Gaza and the West Bank.
Expansion Plans and Outrage
Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich revealed plans for the approval of 3,000 new settlement homes following an incident near Maale Adumim settlement, where Palestinian gunmen opened fire, resulting in one Israeli being killed and five wounded. Smotrich justified the expansion plans as a means to strengthen Israel’s control over the entire Land of Israel. The decision to proceed with the expansion drew outrage, especially considering the strong backing the Israeli government had received from the U.S. in recent months. Critics described the move as disrespectful and detrimental to the U.S.-Israeli relationship.
Administration’s Unfavorable view of Israeli Actions
The Biden administration’s decision to clarify its position on settlements is part of a range of measures expressing its increasing discontent with Israeli actions in Gaza and the West Bank. The administration had previously imposed visa restrictions on settlers engaging in violent activities in the West Bank, and also authorized financial sanctions against four named settlers. A national security memorandum was issued to remind recipients of U.S. weaponry to comply with U.S. and international laws. White House spokesman John Kirby asserted the administration’s alignment with previous U.S. administrations, excluding the Trump administration, labeling the settlements as inconsistent with international law.
Historical Perspective
The new policy calling Israeli settlements illegal reverts to the position held by the U.S. since 1978, when a State Department legal opinion declared the settlements “inconsistent with international law.” This opinion, established during the Carter administration, clarified that the control of a belligerent occupant over territory does not grant sovereignty. Over the years, the number of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and Gaza has grown, with the current number estimated to be at least 146 authorized by the Israeli government excluding East Jerusalem, and an additional 144 unofficially recognized settlements.
Trump’s Divergent Approach
The 1978 policy had been consistently upheld by subsequent administrations, despite the use of euphemisms to describe settlements as an “obstacle to peace.” In 2019, then-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo deviated from this stance by announcing that the United States no longer considered the settlements a violation of international law. Although Trump’s actions empowered Israel by allowing sovereignty over existing settlements and annexation of up to 30% of the West Bank, President Biden’s policy remains aligned with supporting a two-state solution and expressing concerns over settlement expansion.
Violence and Impacts
The West Bank has witnessed a surge in violence due to the attacks by Hamas in southern Israel, leading to ongoing military operations in Gaza and an increase in Israeli settlers, now reaching around 700,000. Tragic casualties have been reported on both sides, with nearly 30,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza. In the West Bank and East Jerusalem, 399 Palestinians, including 102 children, lost their lives, along with 13 Israelis and a significant number of injuries.
Recent events have highlighted the necessity for active engagement in resolving the issue of settlements in order to deescalate tensions and strive towards a two-state solution. The Biden administration’s policy change serves as an acknowledgment of the complex and sensitive nature of this longstanding conflict.
Reporting by an expert correspondent in Buenos Aires.
