Israeli cabinet expected to approve plan for establishing 61 new settlements in West Bank: Axios Report
Washington DC, June 11
The Israeli cabinet is expected to approve a plan on Thursday that looks to fund the de facto establishment of 61 new settlements in the West Bank, Axios journalist Barak Ravid said on Thursday, citing a draft government decision.
In a post on X he said, "While the Trump administration - along with governments across Europe and the Middle East - is focused on the escalating crisis with Iran, the Israeli cabinet is expected to approve on Thursday a plan to fund the de facto establishment of 61 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, according to a draft government decision I obtained."
Citing a source familiar with the proposal, he said that the government is expected to allocate more than $350 million over several years to move 61 newly authorised settlements from paper to reality.
As per Ravid, the plan would fund temporary residential compounds, public buildings and infrastructure even before formal planning procedures are completed.
"The proposal is being championed by far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich," he said.
Meanwhile, UN Chief Antonio Guterres in a post on X expressed concern over reports of "settler violence coming from the occupied West Bank: the demolition of homes, relentless expansion of illegal Israeli settlements, ongoing displacement of Palestinians, the threat of an attempted annexation that would - like the decades-long occupation - have no legal validity."
He gave a call for the two-state solution and called the countries to comply with their obligations under international law.
https://x.com/antonioguterres/status/2064920810523935130?s=20
"The risk of making a two-State solution impossible - when there is no other viable option. And throughout, the presumption of impunity. These injustices must stop. Countries must comply with all their obligations under international law. No exceptions", the UN Chief said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone who follows Middle East politics, this seems like a dangerous distraction while tensions with Iran are high. The Israeli far-right leveraging this moment to push settlements is cynical. Over $350 million for this when there's so much suffering in Gaza? World needs to speak up.
I think India should take a stronger stand on this. Our government talks about being a global voice for the Global South, but where's the condemnation? This is basically creeping annexation of Palestinian land. The world can't keep looking away while settlements expand. 😤
Sad to see this. As an Indian, I remember how our freedom struggle was against occupation and injustice. Palestinians deserve the same right to self-determination. Settlement expansion makes two-state solution look impossible. Hope our Ministry of External Affairs issues a strong statement.
This is just heartbreaking. The fact they're planning to build even before formal approvals shows how little they respect international law. The UN has to do more than just express concern. Sanctions or consequences need to be on the table. Otherwise, it's just empty words.
Very concerning. India has always backed Palestine at the UN - let's hope we continue that tradition. This far-right push in Israel is dangerous for regional stability. And $350 million? That money could do so much good for people in need everywhere. Priorities are completely wrong. 😞
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