Israel Faces International Criticism for Land Grab Revenge

Soon after the rockets and bombs stopped falling with the long-term ceasefire between Israel and Palestine, Israel dropped a bombshell of an announcement. The international community quickly condemned Israel’s plan to designate more Palestinian-claimed territory near Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank as “state land,” paving the way for more Israeli settlements: “More than 300,000 Israelis live in such homes, which most countries regard as illegal under international law and see as an obstacle to the creation of a viable Palestinian state,” explains Inna Lazareva for the Telegraph. The United States and Britain are urging Israel to reconsider the decision, and numerous Israelis are uncomfortable, too. Israeli Justice Minister Tzipi Livni, whose Hatnuah party is a member of the ruling coalition, suggested the land appropriation “weakens Israel and damages its security.” The announcement builds support for Hamas and undermines moderate Palestinians. Palestinian farmers who claim ownership to the land will challenge the decision in Israeli courts while Palestinian negotiators are pushing the United States for a specific timetable on ending Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem. – YaleGlobal