Israeli settlers built a religious school in Homesh, one of the four outposts in the occupied West Bank following the abrogation of law that emptied the settlements in these outposts. This comes weeks after the Jerusalem day parade which is seen as reinforcement of Israeli command over East Jerusalem. The construction of a yeshiva in disputed region piles up the heap of issues between Israelis and Palestinians.
Background
Figure 1 Image Source: AP
The erection of the school is endorsed by the Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, and was approved by Defense Minister Yoar Gallant. The Israeli government has hailed the construction. The far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called it “an exciting historic moment”.
Thus, Jewish people can unabatedly rebuild their homes in the previously dismantled outposts which is considered illegal by the international community. Homesh is also an illegal settlement under Israeli law as the Supreme Court had passed the verdict that the land belonged to private owners from Burqa. Israel had occupied West Jerusalem after the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. The turning point emerged when the tiny state captured the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem in the June War of 1967.
A country formed in 1948 engulfed almost the entire territory of Palestine which gave Israel the image of an apartheid state within the group of countries that supported the Palestinian cause. The recent developments buttress the indifference of Israel towards the Palestinian population.
The new construction douses hope for Palestinians
Since the right-wing government came to power in Israel, various incidents have taken place which have amplified the tensions between Israelis and Palestinians. Also, the government wants to bolster Israel’s authority over occupied areas and there are bleak chances that the leaders will retreat in their approach.
Figure2 Image Source: Reuters
The ultra-orthodox political parties which act as kingmakers in the coalition consider the West Bank as their biblical land of Judea and Samaria. They espouse more settlements for the Jews since they see the land as their own. The erection of yeshiva is the manifestation of their beliefs.
Israel’s tightening hold over Palestinian territories has further minimized the hope of Palestinians’ right to self-determination. They see their homeland slipping off their hands. These people have been deprived of basic rights. Israel has de facto control over these areas which simply signifies the torment of the Palestinian people.
US shows concern amidst illegal construction
The US government has warned Israel regarding its illegal settlements in the outposts which might surge the conflict between Israel and Palestine. When the chief of the Israeli military’s Central Command issued an order last week permitting entry of Israelis in the Homesh area, the USA chastised Israel over this move.
Figure 3 Image Source: Al-Monitor
State Department Spokesperson Mathew Miller said in a statement that the US government is extremely troubled by this order of the Israeli government which allows its citizens to set up their residence in the Homesh outpost in the Northern West Bank which is an illegal construction.
