Financial Fraud Examples in Palestinian Territory, Occupied

Israel Approves Largest Land Seizure in Over Three Decades

Israel has approved the largest seizure of land in the occupied West Bank in over three decades, a move that highlights the settler community’s strong influence in the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

According to a copy of the order obtained by The Associated Press, the Israeli authorities have approved the appropriation of 12.7 square kilometers (nearly 5 square miles) of land in the Jordan Valley. This is the largest single appropriation approved since the 1993 Oslo accords at the start of the peace process.

Settler Violence and Displacement

The newly seized land is in an area where settler violence has been displacing communities of Palestinians. The violence has only surged since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack ignited the war in Gaza. Settlers have carried out more than 1,000 attacks on Palestinians since October, causing deaths and damaging property, according to the U.N.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s Role

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a settler himself, has turbocharged the policy of expansion, seizing new authorities over settlement development and saying he aims to solidify Israel’s hold on the territory and prevent the creation of a Palestinian state.

International Community’s View

The Palestinians view the expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank as the main barrier to any lasting peace agreement, preventing any possibility of a cohesive state. Most of the international community considers settlements illegal or illegitimate.

Peace Now’s Assessment

Yoni Mizrachi, the head of settlement tracking at Peace Now, described the land grab announced Wednesday as part of a strategy to establish a buffer zone between Jordan and Palestinian lands and choke off the practical possibility of a Palestinian state. The aim is to push Palestinians into isolated islands surrounded by Israeli land, he believes.

Human Rights Organizations’ Concerns

Prominent human rights organizations have pointed to Israel’s rule over the West Bank in accusing it of the international crime of apartheid, allegations Israel rejects as an attack on its legitimacy.

Sanctions and Effectiveness

The U.S., E.U., UK, and Canada have imposed high-level sanctions against violent settlers and settler organizations. However, some of those targeted have told The AP that the measures have had little effect.

Key Points

• The Israeli authorities have approved the appropriation of 12.7 square kilometers (nearly 5 square miles) of land in the Jordan Valley.
• This is the largest single appropriation approved since the 1993 Oslo accords at the start of the peace process.
• Settler violence has displaced Palestinian communities, causing deaths and damaging property.
• Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has turbocharged the policy of expansion, seizing new authorities over settlement development.
• The international community considers settlements illegal or illegitimate.
• Prominent human rights organizations have accused Israel of the international crime of apartheid.