The ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip and the situation on Israel’s northern border may overshadow what is happening in the West Bank, but tensions have been escalating since the Hamas massacre on October 7. Israeli forces have been engaging in frequent clashes with militant Palestinians in cities like Tulkarem and Jenin, leading to attacks on both Israelis and Palestinians. In response to this volatile situation, Israel is moving forward with settlement expansion in the West Bank.
Just recently, an area of 12.7 square kilometers in the Jordan Valley was declared “state land” by Israeli authorities, marking the largest land appropriation since the Oslo Accords in 1993. This declaration allows for settlement construction in the area, despite the land previously being considered a military restricted zone. The Israeli government has also discussed plans to build 6,000 new housing units in various settlements in the West Bank, which are considered illegal under international law. This move has drawn criticism from the international community, but has been praised by Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who sees settlement expansion as a way to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Smotrich holds key positions in the Israeli government and has been pushing for advancement of settlements for some time now. His influence was recently demonstrated when he secured legalization of illegal outposts in exchange for releasing tax money to Palestinian Authority. He has approved thousands of new housing units and garnered support from both government and opposition parties alike. The settlement movement is gaining momentum with plans to expand into areas like Gaza Strip as well
