Israel Advances Settlements, Drawing Ire from Western Nations

Israel has drawn criticism from Western nations after authorities ordered the advancement of thousands of settlement units in the occupied West Bank.

The order is expected to raise high tensions with Palestine as ministers from France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom joined the United States in condemning the alleged expansion.

Israel's Policy on Settlements

In unison, the foreign ministers said they were extremely opposed to the Israeli far-right government's unilateral actions. They argued that they would only raise tensions between Israelis and Palestinians, adding that the expansion would undermine efforts for a negotiated two-state solution.

The officials also noted in their statement that they supported a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in the Middle East. They argued that such a situation should be achieved through direct negotiations between the two sides.

Anniken Huitfeldt, the foreign minister of Norway, also condemned Israel's planned settlement expansion. She noted that the far-right government's policy on occupied land sharply contrasts with international law and must be prevented, as per Aljazeera.

Furthermore, officials from Israel's Arab neighbors, Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia, have condemned the settlement plans. However, Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel's hardline security minister, said he wished to see more Jewish settlements. In a video message, he added that the land of Israel belongs to the people of Israel.

The situation comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's cabinet unanimously authorized the legalization of nine settlement outposts. It said that it would also soon approve additional construction in settlements that currently exist.

The official said that such an expansion was their mission and doctrine, adding that more than nine settlements were needed. In a statement, Bezalel Smotrich, Israel's finance minister, noted that roughly 10,000 new homes are waiting to be approved.

Condemnation From Western Nations

On Monday, US officials said they were extremely "troubled and "concerned" by Israel's planned expansion. According to Politico, the remarks have become the first sign of outward friction between the two nations' governments.

During a press briefing, State Department spokesperson Ned Price said that the American government opposed the unilateral measures. He argued that such policies only exacerbate tensions and harm the trust between the two sides.

The National Security Council coordinator, John Kirby, added that his team was "deeply concerned" regarding Israel's plans. Furthermore, Secretary of State Antony Blinken also raised concern about the situation ahead of a briefing by his department regarding the incident.

Price noted that Netanyahu's decision to legalize nine settlement outposts on Sunday went against the U.S.' strong opposition to any such acts. These are what American officials consider unilateral steps that only work to exacerbate tensions on an international level.

The Palestinian Mission to the United Nations is preparing a Security Council resolution condemning Israel's decision to legalize nine settlements. After the resolution's draft is completed, it will be submitted to the Arab League's representative on the Security Council, the United Arab Emirates. Other members would then discuss it, said the Times of Israel.