Summary
The United States will soon offer in-person passport services in an Israeli settlement called Efrat, located in the occupied West Bank. This is the first time the U.S. has provided consular services in a West Bank settlement. The U.S. plans to expand similar services to other areas, including Ramallah and Beitar Illit.
Key Facts
- The U.S. will begin offering passport services in the Efrat settlement on February 27.
- Efrat is situated between the Palestinian towns of Bethlehem and Hebron.
- Israeli settlements in the West Bank are considered illegal under international law.
- The U.S. Embassy also plans to offer services in Ramallah, Beitar Illit, and in cities within Israel.
- Approximately 3 million Palestinians live in the West Bank, which they want as part of a future state.
- There are about 465,000 Israeli settlers in the West Bank, with tens of thousands holding dual US-Israeli nationality.
- President Trump supports Israel but has not acted to limit settlement expansion.
- In January 2023, 694 Palestinians were displaced due to Israeli settler violence.
