An official stated that Israel intends to construct numerous additional housing units in the West Bank settlements following a shooting incident.
Jerusalem — Israel plans to build thousands of new homes in settlements in the Israeli-occupied West Bank in response to a fatal shooting attack
A high-ranking member of the cabinet stated that Palestinian gunmen were responsible for the recent increase in tension.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas
In a press conference on Friday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed the Biden administration’s disappointment with the recent announcement of new housing in the settlements in the Gaza Strip. He stated that this decision goes against international law.
On Thursday evening, Bezalel Smotrich, the finance minister of Israel known for his far-right views, revealed plans for a new settlement. This came after three Palestinian attackers shot at cars near the Maale Adumim settlement, resulting in the death of one Israeli and injuries to five others, as confirmed by Israeli law enforcement.
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“I urge the Prime Minister to authorize a strong security and settlement response to the severe attack on Ma’ale Adumim,” wrote Smotrich on X, previously known as Twitter. “I call for the convening of the [Central Planning Bureau] and prompt approval of plans for numerous housing units in Ma’ale Adumim and the surrounding area. Our adversaries must understand that any harm inflicted upon us will only result in increased construction, development, and expansion of our presence throughout the country.”
The discussion was attended by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. According to various Israeli media sources, the decision will initiate the approval process for approximately 3,000 homes, but no official numbers have been confirmed by the Israeli government.
What could potentially happen in Gaza following the conflict?
Hagit Ofran, a member of the Israeli settlement monitoring organization Peace Now, stated that instead of taking preventative measures against future attacks like the one that occurred yesterday, the government of Israel is exacerbating the conflict and tensions. Ofran believes that the continued construction in settlements hinders the pursuit of peace and security for Israel.
The conflict between Israelis and Palestinians in the West Bank has escalated following a deadly terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7th, which ignited the ongoing war in Gaza. Hamas has been in control of Gaza for almost twenty years.
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The National Security Minister of Israel, Avigdor Liberman, has cautioned that a possible armed conflict with Iran may be unavoidable if they persist in advancing their nuclear program.ultranationalist Itamar Ben-Gvir
When he visited the location of the shooting on Thursday, he stated that the well-being and safety of Israelis takes priority over the Palestinians’ ability to move freely.
Israel
He proposed that authorities should provide an increased amount of weapons to Israeli settlers living in the occupied West Bank, despite the fact that their presence is considered illegal according to international law. This is strongly endorsed by Israel.Netanyahu’s far-right government.
Hamas released a declaration praising the “brave action in southern Jerusalem,” referring to the assault near the West Bank checkpoint as “a justified retaliation against the occupation’s brutal actions and injustices in Gaza and the West Bank.”
Backing for Hamas in the West Bank
The number of notifications and comments has greatly risen since the start of the conflict in Gaza, and the destructive war showed no signs of calming down on Thursday.
Successive Israeli administrations have increased the number of settlements in east Jerusalem and the West Bank, areas that the Palestinians hope to claim as part of their own future nation, along with Gaza. Building has picked up speed under the leadership of Netanyahu’s current government, which includes influential settlers like Smotrich in prominent roles.
In the 1967 Middle East conflict, Israel gained control of the West Bank, east Jerusalem, and Gaza Strip.
Since October 7th, Palestinian gunmen have committed multiple fatal assaults against Israelis. Israel has maintained strict control over the West Bank, restricting movement and regularly conducting raids against what they claim to be militant sites. According to Palestinian health officials, 401 Palestinians have been fatally shot by Israeli forces in the West Bank during this time period.
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Source: cbsnews.com