Ban lifted on Israelis' return to evacuated West Bank settlements

Last week, in a highly controversial move, the Israeli parliament voted to allow Jewish settlers to return to four settlements in the West Bank that were evacuated in 2005. The move was immediately condemned by Palestinians, who view it as a violation of international law and a threat to their future state. The settlements, which are located in the northern West Bank, were originally established in the 1970s and 1980s as part of Israel’s settlement project in the occupied territories.

The decision was made as part of a broader plan to legalize settlement outposts, many of which were built without permits or on privately owned Palestinian land. The new law retroactively legalizes these outposts, as well as settlements built on state land, and paves the way for their expansion. Critics argue that this move will legitimize the theft of Palestinian land and undermine efforts to create a viable Palestinian state.

While the settlements are technically illegal under international law, Israel has long maintained that they are legal under Israeli law. The new legislation effectively overrules any potential legal challenges to the settlements, and paves the way for further expansion in the area. The move has been applauded by pro-settlement groups, who see it as a step towards realizing the greater Israel project and securing Jewish control over the West Bank.

The move has also drawn criticism from the international community, with the United Nations and European Union both condemning the decision. The UN has reiterated its longstanding position that settlements are a violation of international law, and called for their immediate dismantlement. Many EU countries have also criticized the move, with Sweden and Ireland summoning Israeli ambassadors to express their concerns. The US, traditionally one of Israel’s closest allies, has not publicly commented on the move.

The decision has also raised tensions between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, which has threatened to take legal action against Israel in response. Palestinian officials have also warned that the move will further undermine the peace process and make it more difficult to reach a two-state solution. It remains to be seen what, if any, concrete steps the Palestinians will take to challenge the legislation, but the move is likely to further escalate tensions in the region.



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