The U.S. has reservations about Israel proceeding with 4,000 settlement units in the West Bank area.
The Department of State said the U.S. is concerned by Israel’s decision to move forward with the planning process for 4,000 Israeli settlement units in the West Bank. The large area east of Jerusalem is also known as the Palestinian State, as it is claimed and primarily inhabited by Palestinians. However, this area and the Gaza Strip are the center of the conflict between Israel and Palestine.
Israel first announced the plan to add an additional 4,000 Israeli settlement buildings in the West Bank in March, which the U.S. immediately discouraged. Since the announcement, Israel has canceled international meetings to discuss the settlements with its neighbors and has moved to expedite the planning and approval process for the settlements.
“As has been longstanding policy, the United States opposes such unilateral actions that make a two-state solution more difficult to achieve and are an obstacle to peace,” Department of State Spokesperson Matthew Miller said. “We call on the Government of Israel to fulfill the commitments it made in Aqaba, Jordan, and Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, and return to dialogue aimed at de-escalation.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Blinken as he connects with foreign leaders and ministers.
- For State Department officials as they provide recommendations and guidance on foreign affairs to allied nations.
- For Israeli leaders as they deal with the divisions in their current society and try to resolve the conflict with Palestinians.
Sources: Department of State
