Netanyahu Orders West Bank Outposts Dismantled

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the demolition of unauthorized settler outposts in the West Bank. According to two sources familiar with the matter, the decision came amid pressure from the United States to curb settler violence against Palestinians.

Israeli news site Ynet reported that the order targets around 100 outposts. These typically consist of prefabricated caravans and house only a small number of settlers. It was not immediately clear when the operation would begin. Neither Netanyahu’s office nor the military immediately commented on the report.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich confirmed that Netanyahu had ordered the eviction of places built in Areas A and B, where most Palestinians in the West Bank live. Smotrich said he disagreed with the decision and added that the government had made major advances in expanding settlements in Area C.

On Saturday, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee denounced violent settlers as terrorists and called for them to face severe consequences following a meeting with several Palestinian Americans.

Separately, Israel’s Supreme Court ruled on Sunday that Israeli defense authorities must ensure the safe return of three Palestinian families to their homes in the West Bank village of Jalud after they were driven out by settlers.

According to Peace Now, there are 340 outposts and 146 settlements formally recognized by the Israeli government in the West Bank. UN bodies and most governments consider all Israeli settlements there illegal under international law and regard the West Bank as occupied territory. Israel argues that the territory is disputed, not occupied.

(Reuters, bak)