Post by : Saif Rahman

The official recognition of a new Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank signals rapid shifts in the region. What was once a small unauthorized outpost has rapidly transitioned into a fully established settlement named Yatziv, situated on a hill overlooking Beit Sahour close to Jerusalem.

On Monday, celebrations unfolded as Israeli settlers and officials gathered, music filling the air while construction proceeded. Israeli soldiers stood guard, and families shared food in honor of what they termed a historic event, alongside the continuous hum of daily life in Beit Sahour, highlighted by calls to prayer from local mosques.

Many settlers view this development as the fruition of years of striving for this land, which they believe holds significant historical value for the Jewish people and aligns with existing settlements encircling Jerusalem. They successfully impeded plans for a hospital for Palestinian children at the site, biding their time for a favorable political environment to assert their claim.

This political moment arrived swiftly. In December, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich endorsed Yatziv and 18 other outposts, reinforcing the assertive stance of the far-right Israeli government, which has advocated for settlement expansion since late 2022. Smotrich, a staunch supporter of the settler agenda, declared intentions for settlers to stay indefinitely while dismissing the possibility of a Palestinian state in the vicinity.

From the Palestinian viewpoint, the growth of these settlements is alarming. Most of the international community regards Israeli settlements in the West Bank as illegal under international law. Palestinians argue that such expansions confiscate their land, limit freedom of movement, and obstruct efforts to form a cohesive independent state. The West Bank is viewed by Palestinians as a core component of their future nation.

The land where Yatziv is now established carries a complex and contentious history. Almost two decades ago, there were discussions around constructing a hospital for Palestinian children there, with backing from international partners. This proposal faced intense opposition from settlers and ultimately did not materialize. Eventually, the site transitioned into an Israeli military installation, facilitating settlers in claiming a permanent foothold.

Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert noted the significance of this shift in land utilization, suggesting that once the area was designated for military use, transitioning to a settlement was much easier. He emphasized that the current Israeli government's approach deviates significantly from earlier strategies that focused on collaboration with Palestinians.

The expedited approval of Yatziv demonstrates the escalating pace of settlement development. For settlers, this marks a substantial triumph. Conversely, for Palestinians, it represents a growing indication that prospects for a two-state resolution are deteriorating. As settlements proliferate, tensions are escalating, complicating the pathway to peace.

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