Netanyahu ready to expand Israeli settlements in the West Bank
Jerusalem (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Israel will grant other licenses for the construction of new buildings in the settlements in the West Bank. The news was leaked unofficially by sources close to Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu on September 4.
It is unclear how many new permits will be granted to settlers, the only thing certain is that they are added to 2500 granted in the past that are already under construction. Israel has long maintained the need for new developments to meet the "natural growth" of the population of the settlements in the West Bank. With this decision, the hypothesis of a definitive suspension of the increase in colonies or the more likely temporary moratorium of building permits, is deferred.
Israeli commentators see Netanyahu decision in light of the delicate balance of domestic politics. The premier has to deal with the far-right parties and the most extremist wing of his own Likud party. There are many politicians in government who see repeated requests from the international community suspend the policy of invasive colonies as undue interference.
The Palestinian Authority has immediately protested the "totally unacceptable" decision of Tel Aviv. For Saeb Eerekat, chief negotiator of the NPC, new construction in the settlements would "freeze the peace process"
The United States has also criticised Israel. For the Obama administration the decision of the Netanyahu government is an impediment to the attempt to "create a climate conducive to negotiations." The White House has been looking for a long time to reduce friction with Tel Aviv linked to the expansion of its colonies. George Mitchell, U.S. envoy to the Middle East, has repeatedly met with Netanyahu in recent months but has been unable to wrest any promises.
The best hypothesis of agreement between the United States and Israel could include a moratorium of 9-12 months in the granting of permits for new construction in the West Bank. The deal, which some say might see the light by mid-September, should be the first step to the resumption of peace negotiations. Obama wants to use the UN General Assembly on 23 September as a premise for a three way summit with Netanyahu and Abu Mazen on the sidelines of the work at the UN.
.png)
