Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday announced the construction of some 800 housing units in Jewish settlements in the West Bank – just days before the inauguration of US President-elect Joe Biden.
According to a statement released by the prime minister’s office, among the approved units would be 100 new houses for the Tal Menashe settlement, where Ester Horgan, 53, a mother of six, was murdered by a Palestinian attacker last month while making jogging in a nearby forest.
The new plan includes the legalization of an outpost.
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Israeli media Kann reported that Alternative Prime Minister and Defense Minister Benny Gantz instructed the Defense Ministry panel to meet next week to give the green light to the building.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a briefing on coronavirus development in Israel at his Jerusalem office, Sunday, September 13, 2020. (Alex Kolomiensky / Yedioth Ahronoth via AP, Pool)
It was unclear when the houses would be built, as this construction generally requires approval from various government agencies and a bidding process.
The move drew criticism from opposing parties such as Yair Lapid, leader of the centrist political party Yesh Atid, who called the move “irresponsible” and said it would cause unnecessary conflict with the Biden government.
“The Biden government has not yet taken office and the government. A healthy government does not start an unnecessary battle with a new American president,” Lapid tweeted.
The Israeli left-wing organization “Peace Now” said Netanyahu’s announcement signals to the Biden government that “Israel wants a confrontation”.
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The Trump administration has openly supported Netanyahu’s policy towards Jewish settlements in the West Bank.
On Monday morning, the US ambassador to Israel, David M. Friedman, visited the Knesset – Israel’s legislative arm – at the invitation of the Policy and Strategy Subcommittee of the Foreign and Defense Committee. During the closed-door meeting, the ambassador referred to the matter and considered it one of his most significant accomplishments.
“We have been successful together and have become stronger than ever, making our nations safer, more peaceful and more prosperous,” he said. “And people, as my friends put a list of some of the achievements, the capital of Israel Jerusalem was recognized, the sovereignty over the Golan Heights, the non-illegality, if you will, of the communities in Yehuda Veshomron”.
In this archive photo from November 16, 2020, workers take a break before European Union officials visit the construction site of the Givat Hamatos settlement in Jerusalem. Israel on Monday, January 12, 2021, moved forward with plans to build 800 new settler homes in the occupied West Bank, a move that could undermine ties with President-elect Joe Biden’s next administration. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced the measure, saying it would include 100 houses in a settlement where an Israeli woman was recently killed in an alleged terrorist attack. (AP Photo / Maya Alleruzzo, Archive)
As described on the Biden-Harris website, the Biden government is expected to take a non-tolerant approach to Israel.
“Biden is opposed to any unilateral measures by either side that undermine a two-state solution,” the website said. “He is opposed to the annexation and expansion of the settlements and will continue to oppose both as president.”
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Israel captured the West Bank and East Jerusalem in the 1967 war, territories that Palestinians want for their future state. Almost 500,000 Israelis live in settlements spread across the West Bank. Palestinians see the settlements as a violation of international law and an obstacle to peace, a position with broad international support.
Israel will hold its fourth round of elections in two years in March, and this decision by Netanyahu is expected to strengthen its support of right-wing citizens and settlers, who would secure their next term.