Israel 'announces 2,500 new settler homes', signalling new approach under Donald Trump
Statement from Israel's Defence Ministry marks second announcement of new construction in the occupied territories since US President Donald Trump took office last week
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
Israel has approved the building of 2,500 new West Bank settlement homes, signalling a bold new policy approach now Donald Trump has taken office.
The Defence Ministry's announcement on Tuesday follows Sunday's decision to grant building permits for 566 new Jewish settler homes in East Jerusalem.
The Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) demanded international action on the major expansions, saying in a statement it believed the Israeli moves came as a result of "what they consider encouragement by American President Donald Trump."
Most of the building will take place in existing blocs in the West Bank in order to satisfy housing demands, a statement signed off by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman said.
Israeli building in the West Bank and East Jerusalem over the 1967 Green Line is viewed as illegal under international law.
The East Jerusalem settler homes had been delayed until Barack Obama – who was critical of settlement-building – left office, officials said.
It was not immediately clear whether the West Bank building plans had been planned prior to Mr Trump's election, as there are several stages involved in the process.
The incoming Trump administration has struck a much more sympathetic tone towards Israel than his predecessor.
Mr Trump spoke with Mr Netanyahu on Sunday in what was described as a "very warm" conversation.
His pick for ambassador to the country, David Friedman, is strongly pro-settlements.
Since the 1970s successive Israeli governments have encouraged large numbers of Jews to move onto what is viewed internationally as occupied land.
The total settler population in the West Bank is now thought to be 550,000 strong.
Settlement building, which has increased year-on-year under the current, right-wing Prime Minister Netanyahu, is viewed as one of the major stumbling blocks to a lasting peace deal in the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Mr Netanyahu says the Palestinian failure to recognise Israel as a Jewish state is the biggest obstacle to peace, rather than settlements.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments