Controversy surges over Israel's West Bank settlement plan in territories under occupation
ISRAEL ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR 22 NEW SETTLEMENTS IN THE WEST BANK
The Israeli government has unveiled a contentious decision to establish 22 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, a move widely criticized by the international community as an obstacle to peace negotiations. The plans include the legalization of existing outposts and the reinstatement of two symbolic settlements, Homesh and Sa-Nur, evacuated two decades ago.
The announcement was made on May 29, 2025, by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Defence Minister Israel Katz. In a statement, Smotrich said the initiative aims to develop settlements in Judea and Samaria, regions of the West Bank, and consolidate Israel's eastern frontier.
The decision has sparked strong opposition, with the British government expressing its disapproval. Minister for the Middle East and North Africa, Hamish Falconer, stated that the U.K. opposes these actions, which are viewed as a potential catalyst for further conflict in the region.
Homesh and Sa-Nur, which were evacuated in 2005 as part of Israel's disengagement from Gaza, hold symbolic significance. Their reestablishment is seen as a return to a historical presence in the area and forms part of Israel's broader strategy to assert its claims over the West Bank.
Critics argue that the settlement plans undermine the prospects for a two-state solution, a long-standing international objective. The plans are viewed as part of a strategic effort by Israel to strengthen its control over the West Bank, thereby preventing the establishment of a Palestinian state.
The move comes ahead of an international conference led by France and Saudi Arabia at the United Nations next month, aimed at reviving the two-state solution. The conference aims to foster peace discussions between Israel and Palestine, a mission now complicated by Israel's latest settlement announcement.
- The United Nations next month will host an international conference, led by France and Saudi Arabia, with the aim of reviving the two-state solution, a mission now complicated by Israel's latest settlement announcement.
- Critics argue that Israel's plans for 22 new settlements in the West Bank, including the reinstatement of Homesh and Sa-Nur, undermine the prospects for a two-state solution, a long-standing international objective.
- Despite strong opposition from the international community, including the British government, the Israeli government, through Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Defence Minister Israel Katz, recently announced plans to establish 22 new settlements in the occupied West Bank.
- The decision by the Israeli government to establish new settlements in the West Bank, such as Homesh and Sa-Nur, has raised concerns about human rights violations and further war-and-conflicts, particularly in light of the ongoing political tensions in the region.
