UK, Australia and Canada Express Concern over Israeli Settlements

Introduction

The UK, Australia and Canada on Friday expressed “serious concern” in a joint statement over the Israeli government’s approval of new settlements in the West Bank and the continuation of the cycle of violence.

“The continued expansion of settlements is an obstacle to peace and has a negative impact on efforts to reach an agreed two-state solution. We call on the Israeli government to reverse these decisions,” the statement said.

On Monday, the Israeli government approved plans to build thousands of new homes in settlements in the occupied West Bank, threatening to strain increasingly tense relations with the United States.

The decision defied growing US criticism of Israel’s settlement policy in the occupied territories, where tensions are escalating.

Several Israeli media outlets have reported that the Defense Ministry’s Planning Committee, which oversees the construction of the settlements, has approved the construction of more than 5,000 new houses in the settlements. These units are in various stages of planning and it has not yet been clear when construction will begin.

The international community, along with the Palestinians, regards settlement building as illegal or illegitimate and an obstacle to peace. More than 700,000 Israelis currently live in the occupied territories of the West Bank and East Jerusalem, which were occupied by Israel in 1967.

Israeli Government’s Position

The Israeli government, which came to power in late December, is dominated by religious and nationalist politicians closely linked to the settler movement.

The administration of President Joe Biden has been increasingly critical of Israel’s settlement policy, repeatedly calling on Israel to halt construction. Despite criticism, the United States took little action against its close ally.