Plans for New Settlements on West Bank Continue in Israel
The West Bank and East Jerusalem, the hotly contested stretch of land that forms the border between Israel and Jordan, is soon to see an increase in development as Israel has decided to push on with its plans for new construction. The grand plan includes building 1,000 new homes in the area, along with refurbishing hundreds of pre-existing homes. The proposed developments have drawn serious criticism around the world, including from Israel’s most powerful ally, the United States, which called the recent events a “pattern of provocative action”.
The West Bank and East Jerusalem are areas under the current control of Israel; however, most of the world, including the United Nations, recognizes the areas as Palestinian territory. Since 1967, Israel has maintained control of the West Bank, while Palestine fights to reclaim what it considers the capital of its future state. The stretch of land has been at the center of recent violent clashes between the two states, though there is currently a cease fire in effect.
The Israeli government is gathering final bids for the construction project, which will still take at least six months to a year before any actual building begins. Despite the public backlash, the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, called the potential construction a positive regardless of who controls the area, citing development as a good thing for any possible capital city. The West Bank, and specifically Jerusalem, is home to variety of historical and religious landmarks in addition to being a hot button issue in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.
The hope is that an increase in homes in the area will lead to an influx in Israeli citizens in the area, which is still predominantly populated by Palestinians. The West Bank is not the most inviting area for potential citizens, as it is regularly involved in violence, and is even the site of the West Bank Barrier, which is intended to cut down on attacks by limiting access. Israel rejected a recent push from the U.N. for a full pullback to previous state lines, a clear indication that they intend to fight to keep the area.
For people looking to move to the West Bank and East Jerusalem, the new homes should create new opportunities and adventures. Though, anyone looking to make that move will need some bold and adventurous long distance movers. There is a possibility that the construction will be put on hold, especially after the incredible backlash, which was not fully anticipated by the Israeli government. It will be interesting to see how this develops, especially in terms of keeping the violence down in the area.