Israeli Cabinet Approves Construction of New Settlement in West Bank

Reports indicate that the Israeli cabinet approved the construction of a new Jewish settlement in the West Bank on Thursday, after nearly two decades. Reuters states that while the Israeli security cabinet voted for this new settlement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was in discussions with Donald Trump's administration regarding the construction of Jewish settlements in Palestinian territories. According to the report, this new settlement will be built in the 'Emek Shilo' area. Prior to the cabinet's approval, Netanyahu stated on Thursday: 'I promised that we would build a new settlement, and today we have fulfilled that promise.' On the other hand, Palestinians have condemned this action by the Israeli cabinet. Hanan Ashrawi, a member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization, stated: 'What was announced today once again proves that Israel is more committed to appeasing illegal settlement residents than to adhering to the requirements necessary for stability and a just peace.' Reuters notes that most countries around the world consider the construction of Jewish settlements in territories occupied by Israel since the 1967 war to be illegal. The report adds that following the demolition of homes in the Amona settlement in February of this year by order of the Israeli Supreme Court, Netanyahu had promised that a new settlement would be built in the 'Emek Shilo' area. Reuters further added that it seems Netanyahu aims to garner support from right-wing factions within his government by constructing this new settlement. Despite Donald Trump's non-opposition to Israeli settlement construction, he had previously asked Netanyahu to pause these constructions for a time. Jason Greenblatt, Trump's special envoy for Middle East peace, also concluded his second trip to the region last week, stating, 'A peace agreement between Palestinians and Israelis is possible.' According to Reuters, with the construction of the new settlement in the 'Emek Shilo' area, this will be the first settlement built in the West Bank since 1999. Currently, about 400,000 Israelis live in the West Bank, while approximately 2.8 million Palestinians also reside in the area. Additionally, 200,000 Israelis live in East Jerusalem. In this context, Trump has stated that he also accepts a 'one-state solution' regarding Israel and the Palestinians. The White House has indicated that the expansion of Israeli settlements is likely not beneficial for achieving peace. The Israeli parliament's session on settlements has been extended until Netanyahu's return. Nikki Haley stated that the U.S. supports the two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.