In a pivotal move, the United States has reverted to its longstanding stance on the illegality of Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, directly opposing the policy of the former Trump administration. This development comes in the wake of Israel’s announcement to construct over 3,300 new settlement units in the West Bank, a decision that has drawn international criticism and concern for the future of peace in the region.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken voiced his disappointment regarding the new settlement plans revealed by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. Blinken emphasized that the expansion of settlements contradicts the efforts towards achieving a lasting peace between Israel and Palestine and violates international law. This stance echoes the consistent policy of both Democratic and Republican administrations prior to the Trump era, highlighting a return to a more traditional U.S. foreign policy approach towards the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The recent policy assertion marks a departure from the so-called Pompeo Doctrine of November 2019, where the U.S., under former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, declared its support for Israeli settlements as legal. This stance was a stark deviation from the views held by the global community and previous U.S. administrations, including the legal position of the U.S. Department of State since 1978, which recognized the settlements as a violation of international law.
Germany, among other nations, has also expressed its opposition to Israel’s latest settlement activities, reiterating that such constructions are against international law. The international community remains concerned about the implications of these new settlements on the prospects of peace and the feasibility of a two-state solution.
The announcement of the new settlements was framed as a response to a recent attack, showcasing the ongoing cycle of violence and retaliation that hampers peace efforts. Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh criticized the settlement plans as a clear provocation and an obstacle to the creation of an independent Palestinian state. Israeli settlement watchdog Peace Now revealed that the 2024 budget for settlements has seen a significant increase, indicating a continued push for settlement expansion despite international opposition.
The U.S. reassertion of the illegality of Israeli settlements signals a critical juncture in the diplomatic landscape of the Middle East. As tensions persist, the international community watches closely to see how this shift in U.S. policy will influence the dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the broader quest for peace in the region.
