US Expresses ‘Serious Concern’ over Reported Israeli Expansion of West Bank Settlements

The United States has expressed its concern following the Israeli government’s announcement that it plans to move forward with the construction of thousands of settlements in the West Bank.

“The United States is deeply troubled by the Israeli government’s reported decision to advance planning for over 4,000 settlement units in the West Bank,” stated State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller in a released statement. “We are also concerned about reports of changes to Israel’s settlement administration system that expedite the planning and approvals of settlements.”

“As per our long-standing policy, the United States opposes unilateral actions that hinder the achievement of a two-state solution and contribute to the obstacles to peace. We urge the Government of Israel to fulfill the commitments it made in Aqaba, Jordan and Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, and to engage in dialogue for de-escalation,” he added.

Israel’s government announced the changes to the settlement housing process on Sunday, which will facilitate the expansion of settlements in the West Bank. These changes could further escalate tensions between Israel and Palestine.

The U.S. has consistently cautioned against Israel’s expansion of settlements in the West Bank, emphasizing that it undermines efforts to reach a two-state solution with Palestine. The new changes will streamline the process of approving building plans in the occupied settlements and limit the control of the prime minister and the defense minister over the approval process.

According to a senior Israeli government official, the new changes will make the approvals “an effective two-step process,” as reported by the Associated Press.

These changes come as some of the most intense fighting in recent years erupted in the West Bank on Monday, resulting in the deaths of five Palestinians, including a 15-year-old boy, and over 91 injuries, according to the AP report.