Israel to legalize nine West Bank settlements in response to Jerusalem attacks
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Salma Hossein
- . February 13, 2023
- . Update: February 13, 2023 8:02 pm
The Israeli Security Cabinet has decided to legalize nine settlements in the occupied West Bank in response to a series of attacks in east Jerusalem, according to the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office.
On Sunday, Israel’s security cabinet announced the decision to legalize nine illegal outposts in the West Bank and turn them into new settlements. Israeli ministers attended a five-hour cabinet meeting to discuss the latest escalation in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said in a statement, “In response to the murderous terrorist attacks in east Jerusalem, the security cabinet decided unanimously to authorize nine communities in Judea and Samaria.”
Reportedly, the Civil Administration Higher Planning Committee of Israel will approve the construction of new residential units in existing communities in Judea and Samaria, which is an administrative division of Israel. The Judea and Samaria Area encompasses the entire West Bank. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office said that the Civil Administration Higher Planning Committee would convene the meeting in the coming days. However, the Prime Minister’s Office statement did not reveal how many housing units will be approved for nine outposts.
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The Israeli Prime Minister also listed Avigayil, Beit Hogla, Givat Harel, Givat Arnon, Mitzpe Yehuda, Malachei Hashalom, Asahel, Sde Boaz and Shacharit as the illegal outposts.
During the meeting, the Israeli ministers also decided to expand the police operation in the Palestinian neighbourhoods in East Jerusalem. They agreed to increase the number of police in East Jerusalem.
Reportedly, a senior Biden administration official said in a statement, “We strongly oppose the expansion of settlements.”
Israeli authorities have repeatedly accused the Palestinians of inciting and supporting terrorism. They also blamed Palestinians for a string of recent terror attacks in East Jerusalem. According to the Israeli authorities, a Palestinian killed three Israelis, including two children, in a terrorist attack on Friday in Ramot, an Israeli Jewish settlement in East Jerusalem.
