Israel/Palestinian Terr.: Additional West Bank settlements approved Aug. 22

Event

The Israeli government announced on Wednesday, August 22, that over 1000 new housing units for Israeli settlers had been approved in the West Bank. According to officials, the new homes will be built in existing settlements, including 370 in the Geva Binyamin settlement, the site of a stabbing attack in July 2018, and 52 in the hardline Beit El settlement near Ramallah. It is unclear when construction on these projects will begin. Protests against the government's decision may occur in the coming days and could result in violence.

Context

Israeli settlements in the West Bank are controversial, as they are widely regarded as illegal under international law. Left-wing elements of Israeli society and Palestinians regard the settlements as detrimental to any future peace process.

Advice

Individuals in the West Bank should avoid all forms of demonstrations, protests, and gatherings.

On a separate note, due to the underlying terrorist threat, travelers in Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip are advised to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the authorities. Some Western governments advise their citizens against all travel to the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, and areas near the Israeli-Lebanese, Israeli-Syrian, and Israeli-Egyptian borders.