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Netanyahu Orders West Bank Outposts Dismantled Amid U.S. Pressure
Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly told officials to remove some Israeli settler outposts in the West Bank.
These outposts are small communities or groups of caravans built without official government permission.
The order came after the United States urged Israel to stop violence by settlers against Palestinians.
U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee called violent settlers terrorists and demanded serious consequences.
It is not yet known when the removals will begin.
A report said about 100 outposts might be affected.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said the order involved Areas A and B but said he disagreed with it.
Israel says the West Bank is disputed, while the United Nations and most governments consider it occupied territory.
An Israeli group says there are hundreds of outposts and officially recognized settlements in the area.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered unauthorized Israeli settler outposts in the West Bank to be dismantled, according to two people familiar with the matter.
The order reportedly follows pressure from the United States to curb violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians.
Ynet reported that about 100 outposts could be targeted, but the timing of any operation was not announced.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said the instruction concerned structures in Areas A and B and said he disagreed with it.
Peace Now says the West Bank has 340 outposts and 146 Israeli government-recognized settlements.
- Who
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly ordered the dismantling of unauthorized Israeli settler outposts; U.S. officials and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also feature prominently.
- What
- The Israeli government was ordered to remove settler outposts built without official state authorization.
- Where
- The West Bank, including areas identified as Areas A and B.
- When
- The order was reported on Sunday, September 6; the start date for the operation was not announced.
- Why
- The sources said the order followed United States pressure on Israel to address violence and intimidation by Israeli settlers against Palestinians.
Support dismantling
Oppose or question dismantling
Response to settler violence
Support dismantling
The United States urged Israel to act against settlers accused of criminal behavior, violence and terrorism targeting Palestinians.
Oppose or question dismantling
The Israeli government has condemned settler violence, but the reporting says perpetrators are rarely arrested and even less frequently prosecuted.
Scope and location of removals
Support dismantling
Removing unauthorized outposts could enforce the distinction between state-approved settlements and structures built without official authorization, particularly in Areas A and B.
Oppose or question dismantling
Bezalel Smotrich said he disagreed with Netanyahu's instruction and emphasized the government's progress in expanding settlements in Area C.
Legal status of settlements
Support dismantling
The United Nations and most governments regard Israeli settlements in the West Bank as illegal under international law and consider the territory occupied.
Oppose or question dismantling
Israel rejects that characterization and says the West Bank is disputed rather than occupied.
Key facts
- Reported target
- About 100 outposts, according to Israeli website Ynet.
- West Bank figures
- Peace Now says there are 340 outposts and 146 settlements formally recognized by Israel.
- Outpost status
- The targeted outposts were established by settlers without official state authorization.
- U.S. position
- Ambassador Mike Huckabee called violent settlers terrorists and urged severe consequences.
- Israeli position
- Israel describes the West Bank as disputed rather than occupied.
- International position
- The United Nations and most governments consider Israeli settlements in the West Bank illegal under international law.
- Operation timing
- It was not immediately clear when dismantling would begin.
Quotes
Bezalel Smotrich
Israeli finance minister and settler who oversees settlement-related housing projects
“an instruction to evict places built in Areas A and B”
theprint.in
firstpost.com
Sources
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