America Isolated: Why Some Western Capitals Are Shifting Positions on Gaza
AntiWarJun 19
Report: Israeli Military Transfers Powers in West Bank to Pro-Settlement Civil Servants
Image copyright: Amir Levy/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
The Israeli military has reportedly handed over significant legal powers in the West Bank to pro-settler civil servants working for right-wing Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. The move comes after years of attempts by pro-settlement politicians to obtain legal authority over the West Bank.
The legal powers cover building regulations and the administration of farming, forestry, parks, as well as bathing locations, among other duties. Smotrich has moved to approve new settlements, legalize previously unauthorized outposts, and make it more challenging for Palestinian residents to both build homes and move.
The Spin
Left narrative
Though Israel's far-right has made gains, ultimately, it should be well understood that they are still a fringe segment of Israeli society. Israel is a democracy in which everyone is entitled to their views, but the right-wing does not reflect the views of the whole country — including prominent Israeli lawmakers who condemn settlement expansion. Netanyahu needs to understand that politicians like Smotrich only endanger Israel's security.
Right narrative
Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel was the final nail in the coffin for the establishment of a Palestinian state. Since Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005, the enclave has essentially existed as a terrorist-run proto-state run by Hamas. Given the Palestinian Authority's inefficacy, Israel has no partners for peace, and the last 20 years in Gaza prove this. A violent, terrorist-run Palestinian state would be an existential threat to Israel's security, and settlement expansion is a natural reaction to this reality.
Pro-Palestine narrative
Though the Israeli and Western media try to portray settlers as a fringe element of Israeli society, the state was founded on the basis of ethnic cleansing and land theft. Israeli leaders on the left and right have continued to approve settlement expansion, and Palestinian land has continued to recede since 1948. Israeli politicians are also increasingly open about Israel's intentions — the incremental destruction of Palestine and its people.