Israel Shifts West Bank Control to Pro-Settler Officials
TL;DR
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who leads the Settlements Administration, has gained more control over the occupied West Bank, including building regulations and land management. This shift, facilitated by a coalition of far-right and ultra-Orthodox parties, is seen as a step towards annexation, making illegal settlement expansion easier while intensifying scrutiny and demolition of Palestinian construction. The move exacerbates the hardships faced by Palestinians, including increased settler attacks and movement restrictions.
Topics:worldinternational-politics#annexation#bezalel-smotrich#international-politics#israel#settlements#west-bank
- Is Israel’s Smotrich fulfilling his dream of annexing the West Bank? Al Jazeera English
- Israeli Official Describes Secret Government Bid to Cement Control of West Bank The New York Times
- IDF transfers powers in occupied West Bank to pro-settler civil servants The Guardian
- IOF hand power over West Bank to pro-settler officials under Smotrich Al Mayadeen English
- IDF handed over legal powers in West Bank to pro-settler civil servants: Report WION
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Read on Al Jazeera English