Norway condemns Israel’s West Bank settlement expansion

Norway is among 14 countries condemning Israel’s approval of new settlements in the occupied West Bank, a move that is raising concerns about the prospects for a two-state solution and escalating regional tensions.

The countries have called on Israel to reverse its decision and halt further expansion of settlements, which are considered illegal under international law.

According to the United Nations, the scope of Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories is now the largest it has been since 2017.

Minister Aims to Prevent Establishment of Palestinian State

The decision was announced Sunday by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. He stated that the settlements are intended to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state.

Smotrich has previously stated that “the Palestinian state will be erased, not with slogans, but with actions.”

Palestinian authorities, for their part, have said that further settlements make a viable Palestinian state impossible.

A two-state solution entails Israel and Palestine becoming two separate states living side by side within recognized borders.

The United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Malta, the Netherlands, and Spain are among the countries backing the condemnation.

“We reiterate our clear opposition to all forms of annexation and expansion of settlement policy, including the approval of the E1 settlement and thousands of new housing units,” reads a joint statement. The development highlights the growing international concern over the future of the region.

The countries further state that “such unilateral actions are in violation of international law and could contribute to further unrest in the region.”

The countries also underscore their support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and a lasting peace based on a two-state solution.

The UN has repeatedly affirmed that the settlements are in violation of international law.

Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide stated earlier in December that the new settlement plans pose a significant threat to peace and security.

NRK has requested comment from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Israel Rejects Criticism

Israel rejects the condemnation and believes the criticism is discriminatory against Jews, according to AFP.

Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said foreign governments have no right to interfere in where Jews can live.

“Foreign governments should not limit the right of Jews to live in the Land of Israel. Such demands are morally wrong and discriminatory against Jews,” Saar said.

He indicated that the Israeli security cabinet has approved the creation of 11 new settlements and the formalization of eight existing ones.

“The decision is intended, among other things, to meet the security threats Israel faces,” the foreign minister said.

Controversial Plan

In May, Israel approved the controversial development plan in the E1 area. The plan, critics say, could bisect the occupied West Bank and isolate East Jerusalem, according to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz.

More than 3,400 homes are planned in a settlement connected to Ma’ale Adumim east of East Jerusalem.

The plan has been on hold for years due to international pressure.

Critics argue the expansion could render a two-state solution impossible.

Earlier in August, Smotrich said the plan would “ensure that Europe’s hypocritical leaders have nothing to recognize by September.”