Israel’s government announced plans to “strengthen” Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank following the unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state by several countries. According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office on Sunday, proposals for enhancing settlements in the regions referred to biblically as Judea and Samaria will be voted on in the next Security Cabinet meeting.
Recent weeks have seen Norway, Ireland, Spain, and Slovenia recognize an independent Palestinian state, a move partly influenced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s refusal to commit to a two-state solution. Israel’s Foreign Ministry condemned these recognitions, arguing that they reward terrorism and bolster Hamas.
Israel to Bolster West Bank Settlements Following Palestinian State Recognition
The statement from Israel also mentioned that it would consider measures against the Palestinian Authority, which has been taking actions against Israel in international forums. This month, the Palestinian Authority joined South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
In May, Israel’s far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, suggested approving 10,000 new settlements in the West Bank, creating a new settlement for each country recognizing Palestine, and canceling travel permits for Palestinian Authority officials. It remains unclear whether these ideas are included in the current proposals under consideration by the Israeli government.
