Israel election pressure fuels settlement push as West Bank violence surges
Summary
Israel is preparing for elections in October amid a sharp increase in building settlements in the West Bank. This growth in settlements, many considered illegal under international law, is linked to political efforts by Israel’s hard right to strengthen control over the area before the vote.Key Facts
- Israel plans to hold elections in October 2024.
- Settlement activity in the West Bank has reached record levels according to the United Nations.
- Israeli settlers, sometimes with military help, have increased attacks and set up new settlements and outposts.
- The hard right, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, supports expanding settlements to deepen Israeli control over the West Bank.
- Since 2022, Israel has approved over 100 illegal settlements and about 160 settlement farms in the West Bank.
- The E1 settlement project aims to connect East Jerusalem with another settlement, reducing the possibility of a Palestinian state.
- Smotrich created a Settlements Administration within the Defense Ministry to strengthen settler influence on policy.
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu relies on support from the hard right and settlers amid his own political and legal challenges.
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