Israeli authorities plan to build 3,988 new settlement units in two areas across the occupied Palestinian West Bank, Israeli media reported.
The Israeli Higher Planning Council for Judea and Samaria (the Israeli name for the West Bank) is set to give its final approval for building 2,536 new settlement units, according to Israeli newspaper The Jerusalem Post, and allow for plans for an additional 1,452 settlement units.
I strongly oppose the planned expansion of Israeli settlements, which further undermines prospects for peace between Israelis and Palestinians. These actions will inflame regional tensions and erode the trust necessary for a lasting peace.https://t.co/UYiB2Aqg5D
— Rep. Debbie Dingell (@RepDebDingell) May 6, 2022
The 2,536 settlement units include 761 units for the Beitar Illit settlement, 534 units for Shvuet Rachel, 364 for Dolev, 168 for Neria, 156 for Kiryat Arba, 136 for Givat Ze’ev, 114 for Ma’aleh Michmash, 106 for Tal Menashe, 92 for Zofim, 64 for Revava and 40 for Efrat.
Meanwhile, the 1,452 settlement units include 500 units for the Elkana settlement, 286 units for Kedumim, 192 for Sha’are Tikvah, 170 for Immanuel, 110 for Mevo Horon, 90 for Dolev, 56 for Negahot, 32 for Nokdim and 16 for Ma’aleh Adumim.
Head of Israel’s Jordan Valley Regional Council David Elhayani and Head of West Bank Settlement Council Yossi Dagan claimed that the Higher Planning Council had initially intended to advance plans for close to 6,000 settler units, but were told to cut around 1,800-2,000.
BREAKING: State Department: The Biden administration strongly opposes the expansion of Israeli settlements which exacerbates tensions & undermines trust between the parties. Israel’s program of expanding settlements deeply damages the prospects for a 2 state solution
— Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) May 6, 2022
At least three different US parties expressed anger towards the Biden administration for this measure to senior Israeli officials in Israel.
According to one source speaking with N12, the White House even prepared President Joe Biden on the issue of the plans for West Bank settlement units before his visit to Israel next month.
(MEMO, PC, Social Media)
