The Israeli Security Cabinet has decided to legalize nine
settlements in the occupied West Bank in response to a series of attacks in
east Jerusalem, according to the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office.
On Sunday, Israel’s security cabinet announced the decision
to legalize nine illegal outposts in the West Bank and turn them into new
settlements. Israeli ministers attended a five-hour cabinet meeting to discuss
the latest escalation in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said in a
statement, “In response to the murderous terrorist attacks in east Jerusalem,
the security cabinet decided unanimously to authorize nine communities in Judea
and Samaria.”
Reportedly, the Civil Administration Higher Planning
Committee of Israel will approve the construction of new residential units in
existing communities in Judea and Samaria, which is an administrative division
of Israel. The Judea and Samaria Area encompasses the entire West Bank. The
Israeli Prime Minister’s Office said that the Civil Administration Higher
Planning Committee would convene the meeting in the coming days. However, the
Prime Minister’s Office statement did not reveal how many housing units will be
approved for nine outposts.
The Israeli Prime Minister also listed Avigayil, Beit Hogla,
Givat Harel, Givat Arnon, Mitzpe Yehuda, Malachei Hashalom, Asahel, Sde Boaz
and Shacharit as the illegal outposts.
During the meeting, the Israeli ministers also decided to
expand the police operation in the Palestinian neighbourhoods in East
Jerusalem. They agreed to increase the number of police in East Jerusalem.
Reportedly, a senior Biden administration official said in a
statement, “We strongly oppose the expansion of settlements.”
Israeli authorities have repeatedly accused the Palestinians
of inciting and supporting terrorism. They also blamed Palestinians for a
string of recent terror attacks in East Jerusalem. According to the Israeli
authorities, a Palestinian killed three Israelis, including two children, in a
terrorist attack on Friday in Ramot, an Israeli Jewish settlement in East
Jerusalem.