Israel’s Bold Move: 13 West Bank Settlements Granted Independence Despite Global Backlash

Israel’s Security Cabinet Decision: Approved the independence of 13 Jewish settlements in the West Bank, strengthening Israeli control despite international opposition.
Palestinian and Hamas Reactions: Both the Palestinian Foreign Ministry and Hamas condemned the move, calling it a violation of international law and an attempt to deepen Israeli occupation.
Rising Tensions: The decision comes amid ongoing Israeli military operations in the West Bank, fueled by security concerns following the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack.

On Sunday, Israel’s security cabinet approved a plan to separate 13 Jewish settlements in the Israeli-occupied West Bank from their neighboring communities, granting them independent status. This decision is part of Israel’s broader effort to expand and legalize settlements in the region, despite widespread international opposition.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich confirmed the decision in a post on X (formerly Twitter), describing it as a major step toward increasing Israel’s authority over the West Bank, which Israel refers to as “Judea and Samaria.” Smotrich emphasized that Israel would continue to expand and strengthen its presence in the region.

“We continue to lead a revolution of normalization and regulation in the settlements. Instead of hiding and apologizing – we raise the flag, build and settle. This is another important step on the path to actual sovereignty in Judea and Samaria,” he said.

The decision comes as tensions remain high following the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas-led militants. The attack, which resulted in significant casualties, has increased Israel’s determination to maintain control over the West Bank.

The Israeli military has stated that it is conducting counter-terrorism operations in the area, focusing on suspected militants and preventing further attacks.

The move has drawn strong criticism from Palestinian authorities and international observers. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry condemned the decision, arguing that it violates international laws and United Nations resolutions.

According to the ministry, the approval of these independent settlements disregards the rights of Palestinians and undermines any prospects for a future peace agreement.

Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that governs the Gaza Strip, also denounced the decision. In a statement, the group called it a “desperate attempt to impose realities on the ground and consolidate colonial occupation on Palestinian lands.” Hamas warned that such actions would further escalate tensions and lead to more violence in the region.

The West Bank and East Jerusalem are home to approximately 2.7 million Palestinians and about 700,000 Israeli settlers. Israel captured these territories during the 1967 Six-Day War and has since built numerous settlements. Most countries and international organizations, including the United Nations, view these settlements as illegal under international law. However, Israel disputes this, citing historical and biblical ties to the land as justification for its claims.

Over the years, there have been repeated calls for Israel to halt settlement expansion to allow for the creation of an independent Palestinian state. Despite these calls, Israel continues to authorize new construction and expand existing settlements, making the possibility of a two-state solution increasingly difficult.

This latest move to grant independence to the 13 settlements is expected to further strain Israel’s relations with the international community and deepen tensions with the Palestinians. The decision also reflects Israel’s broader strategy to solidify its control over the West Bank while reducing the possibility of future territorial concessions.

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As the situation develops, many observers fear that the continued expansion of settlements could trigger further violence and diminish hopes for lasting peace in the region.

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