Jerusalem -– UN Middle East envoy Tor Wennesland issued a warning on Monday against changes made by the Israeli government that will simplify procedures to authorize settlements in the occupied West Bank.
The changes, decided upon by the Israeli government, are poised to expedite settlement expansion and have stirred international concern.
“A four-step redundant process will become an effective two-step process,” an anonymous senior Israeli official told AFP, describing the alterations as a reduction of “unnecessary administrative red tape” in the settlement authorization procedure. Critics argue that the decision further normalizes settlements deemed illegal under international law.
Shlomo Neeman, the head of the Yesha Council, which represents Israeli settlers in the West Bank, welcomed the decision, asserting it would “correct a historic injustice and strengthen Israeli sovereignty in this area.”
In defiance of international critique, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated, “This is our country, all of it.” Smotrich, who holds significant sway over West Bank powers, rejected the international criticism during his party faction meeting.
The announcement of this shift coincided with Israel’s planning authority publicizing its agenda for a June 26 meeting to discuss the construction of over 4,500 new units in the West Bank.
These developments have sparked global consternation, with the U.S. State Department expressing deep concern over the changes and the potential obstacles they present to achieving a two-state solution and peace in the region. The Department stated, “As has been longstanding policy, the United States opposes such unilateral actions that make a two-state solution more difficult to achieve and are an obstacle to peace.”
Palestinian leaders view the expansion of settlements as a significant hindrance to establishing an independent state in the West Bank and Gaza with East Jerusalem as its capital.
In protest against the settlement growth, the Palestinian Authority, which exercises limited self-rule in the West Bank, boycotted an economic meeting with Israel scheduled for Monday.
Since January, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition has approved the promotion of more than 7,000 new housing units in the West Bank. It has also altered a law enabling settlers to return to previously evacuated settlements. Netanyahu maintains that Israeli settlements are not an obstacle to peace with the Palestinians.