Israel has revealed intentions to construct more than 3,300 new homes in settlements located in the Israeli-occupied West Bank following a fatal Palestinian shooting incident. The decision, announced by Israel's finance minister, comes in response to an attack near the Maale Adumim settlement that resulted in the death of one Israeli and injuries to five others.
The move, spearheaded by far-right firebrand Bezalel Smotrich, has sparked concerns and is likely to strain relations with Washington amid escalating tensions over Israel's conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Smotrich emphasized that any harm inflicted on Israel would lead to increased construction and development in the region.
The decision, which involved Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, will set in motion the approval processes for the construction of 300 new homes in the Kedar settlement, 2,350 in Maale Adumim, and the advancement of nearly 700 homes in Efrat.
The Biden administration has expressed a desire for eventual Palestinian governance in Gaza and the West Bank as a step towards Palestinian statehood, a prospect that clashes with the stance of Netanyahu's right-wing government. Critics argue that the advancement of new settlement plans only serves to deepen conflicts and tensions in the region.
Israeli settlement watchdog group Peace Now has condemned the construction, stating that it hinders the prospects for peace and security in the area. The expansion of settlements in east Jerusalem and the West Bank, territories sought by Palestinians for a future state, has been a point of contention.
Israel gained control of the West Bank, east Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip during the 1967 Mideast war. Recent violence in the West Bank has escalated following a deadly Hamas attack on southern Israel, prompting Israel to launch a military campaign against the militant group.
Since the October 7 attack, there have been several incidents of Palestinian gunmen targeting Israelis, resulting in casualties. Israel has tightened its control over the West Bank, imposing restrictions on movement and conducting raids against perceived militant threats. Palestinian health officials report that 401 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in the West Bank during this period.
