For the past 18 months, a quiet takeover of the occupied West Bank has been underway, raising concerns about the future of the region. The far right in Israel has been pushing for increased settlement construction in the West Bank, a move that could have significant implications for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Settlement construction in the West Bank has long been a contentious issue, with many in the international community viewing it as a major obstacle to peace. The settlements are considered illegal under international law, and their expansion is seen as a direct challenge to the possibility of a two-state solution.
Despite this, the far right in Israel has been relentless in their efforts to increase settlement construction in the West Bank. They argue that the land belongs to Israel by divine right and that they have a duty to populate it with Jewish settlers. This ideology has gained traction in recent years, with more and more settlements being built in the West Bank.
The quiet takeover of the West Bank has largely gone unnoticed by the international community, as attention has been focused on other issues in the region. However, the implications of this takeover could be far-reaching. If the far right gets their way and settlement construction continues to expand, it could make a two-state solution nearly impossible.
The settlements not only take up land that could be part of a future Palestinian state but also create physical barriers that make it difficult to establish contiguous Palestinian territory. This fragmentation of the West Bank makes it increasingly difficult to envision a viable Palestinian state alongside Israel.
In addition to the physical barriers created by settlements, their presence also exacerbates tensions between Israelis and Palestinians. The settlements are often seen as a symbol of Israeli occupation and oppression, leading to increased violence and unrest in the region.
Despite these challenges, the far right in Israel shows no signs of slowing down their efforts to expand settlements in the West Bank. They have the support of many within the Israeli government, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been a vocal advocate for settlement construction.
The international community has largely condemned Israel’s settlement policies, with many countries calling for an end to construction in the West Bank. However, these calls have largely fallen on deaf ears, as Israel continues to push forward with its expansionist agenda.
As the quiet takeover of the West Bank continues, it raises important questions about the future of the region. Will the far right get their way and succeed in their efforts to expand settlements in the West Bank? Or will international pressure and opposition from within Israel lead to a different outcome?
Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict hangs in the balance. The quiet takeover of the West Bank could have far-reaching implications for the region, and it is crucial that the international community remains vigilant in monitoring and addressing this issue before it is too late.