Israel is about to expand their territory for more settlements. You know what that means, right? The riots, the war and more, especially while Biden is in office.
The Civil Administration in the West Bank has designated 2,965 acres of land in the Jordan Valley as state land, indicating its readiness for future development. This announcement marks the largest such designation since the Oslo Accords in 1993. The move has drawn significant attention and criticism, particularly from organizations like Peace Now, which opposes the expansion of settlements in the West Bank.
Democratic Rep. Elissa Slotkin, who is also running for a Senate seat, slams Israel’s appropriation of 2,965 acres of land in the
Jordan Valley.“These land seizures are illegal, they make a two-state solution even more distant and they inflame tensions at a time when everyone… pic.twitter.com/WysoVwFVm2
— CYNN (@CYNN_Official) July 3, 2024
This recent declaration, issued on June 25 and published today, follows other significant land designations earlier this year. In March, 1,976 acres in the Jordan Valley were similarly classified, along with 650 acres east of Jerusalem in February and 42 acres in the Etzion Bloc. The new declaration pertains to land located about 50 kilometers north of Jericho, directly adjacent to the previously designated 1,976 acres.
The total amount of land declared as state land in 2024 now stands at 5,852 acres as of July, far surpassing any annual total recorded in this century. The previous highest total was 1,181 acres in 2014, highlighting the unprecedented scale of this year’s designations.
The Civil Administration has not yet responded to requests for comment on this latest development. However, the Peace Now organization has been vocal in its criticism. According to Peace Now, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich are prioritizing the interests of a small group of settlers over the broader interests of Israel and the international community. They argue that these land designations ignore the ongoing political conflict and the need for a resolution that includes the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel.
Anti-settlement group says Israel has made largest West Bank land seizure in 3 decades.
Peace Now said authorities recently approved the appropriation of 12.7 square kilometers of land in the Jordan Valley.
Yesha settlement umbrella group is in charge. pic.twitter.com/DGognErWT0— Apartheid Review (@ApartheidReview) July 3, 2024
Peace Now contends that the Israeli government’s actions are making it increasingly difficult to achieve peace and end the bloodshed. The organization emphasizes that resolving the conflict requires a political settlement, yet the government’s current approach appears to be moving in the opposite direction, further complicating efforts to reach a lasting peace agreement.
This development is part of a broader pattern of land designations in the West Bank, which has significant implications for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The expansion of state land in these areas is seen by many as a barrier to the creation of a viable Palestinian state, as it reduces the amount of land available for Palestinian development and increases tensions between the two sides.
🚨⚡ JUST IN: Israel approves largest seizure of land in occupied West Bank in over three decades – anti-settlement watchdog
The Israeli group ‘Peace Now’ said Wednesday that authorities recently approved the appropriation of 12.7 square kilometers of land in the Jordan Valley. pic.twitter.com/Ny7kMhJFQn
— MonitorX (@MonitorX99800) July 3, 2024
Major Points:
- The Civil Administration in the West Bank has designated 2,965 acres of land in the Jordan Valley as state land, marking the largest such designation since the Oslo Accords in 1993.
- This new designation follows other significant land classifications earlier in the year, including 1,976 acres in March, 650 acres east of Jerusalem in February, and 42 acres in the Etzion Bloc.
- The total land declared as state land in 2024 now amounts to 5,852 acres, far exceeding any annual total recorded this century.
- The Peace Now organization criticizes the move, arguing that it prioritizes settlers’ interests over broader Israeli and international concerns and complicates efforts for a political resolution and peace.
- The Civil Administration has not responded to comments, while Peace Now emphasizes the need for a political settlement to establish a Palestinian state alongside Israel to achieve peace.
Susan Guglielmo – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
