Israel’s security cabinet has approved plans that pave the way for more settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory
A White House official has reiterated Donald Trump’s opposition towards Israel annexing the West Bank, after Israeli plans were announced that would pave the way for more settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory.
The measures, announced on Sunday, included allowing Jewish Israelis to buy West Bank land directly, and extending greater Israeli control over areas where the Palestinian Authority exercises power. It was unclear when the new rules, approved by Israel’s security cabinet, would take effect but they do not require further approval.
As regional states and others condemned the plan, a White House official on Monday said that “a stable West Bank keeps Israel secure and is in line with this administration’s goal to achieve peace in the region.”
More than 500,000 Israelis live in settlements and outposts in the West Bank, which are illegal under international law. Around three million Palestinians live there.
