Israel says it will legalize five West Bank settlements previously considered illegal, as the government accelerates what critics call a slow-motion annexation of land meant for a Palestinian state.
Tag: Smotrich, Bezalel (1980- )
Amid Gaza War, Netanyahu Feuds With Military, His Coalition and Washington
As the Israeli prime minister’s allies pull him in multiple, contradictory directions, he has publicly focused on his conflict with the Biden administration.
Israeli Official Describes Secret Government Bid to Cement Control of West Bank
Israeli judges have long ruled that Israel’s control of the territory is a temporary military occupation and complies with international law. A powerful minister’s recent speech, caught on tape, suggested the government is trying to change that.
Netanyahu Faces Battle in Israel After Gantz’s Party Leaves Government
The Israeli prime minister is likely to become more dependent on the right-wing partners in his coalition government after the centrist Benny Gantz and his party pulled out of it.
Israel Responds to Move to Recognize a Palestinian State by Withholding Funds
The finance minister’s office signaled that the decision, which could worsen the Palestinians’ dire economic crisis, was a response to Spain, Norway and Ireland recognizing Palestinian statehood.
How Extremist Settlers Took Over Israel
After 50 years of failure to stop violence and terrorism against Palestinians by Jewish ultranationalists, lawlessness has become the law.
Hamas’s announcement adds to the uncertainty of the cease-fire talks.
The terms Hamas had agreed to were not immediately clear, but a senior Israeli official quickly said that the terms were not those that Israel had agreed to.
U.S. and Israel Struggle With Clashing Visions on Ending Gaza War
The Biden administration wants to focus on a cease-fire and rebuilding Gaza, but Israel’s leader is pushing a new offensive.
A Re-established West Bank Settlement Symbolizes Hardened Israeli Views
Homesh, one of the four West Bank settlements dismantled by Israel when it withdrew from Gaza in 2005, has taken on new importance since Oct. 7 and the war against Hamas.
Israeli Minister Blocks Flour From Reaching UNRWA in Gaza
Israel’s finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, said he had ordered flour shipments not to be transferred to the agency that aids Palestinians, citing allegations that some of its employees were affiliated with Hamas.