Supporters of Israeli settlements in the West Bank have high hopes for President Donald Trump’s administration, believing that his pro-Israel stance will lead to increased support for their cause. Trump’s recent decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel has been seen as a positive sign by settlement supporters, who view it as a validation of Israel’s claim to the disputed territory.
The West Bank, which was captured by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War, is home to over 400,000 Jewish settlers living in more than 100 settlements. These settlements are considered illegal under international law, as they are built on land that is considered occupied Palestinian territory. However, many Israelis see the settlements as a vital part of their country’s security and identity.
During his campaign, Trump expressed strong support for Israel, promising to move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and to give Israel a free hand in dealing with the Palestinians. His recent actions, such as cutting funding to the Palestinian Authority and closing the PLO office in Washington, have been welcomed by settlement supporters as a sign of his commitment to Israel’s interests.
Settlement supporters believe that Trump’s administration will be more sympathetic to their cause than previous US administrations, which have criticized Israeli settlement activity as an obstacle to peace. They hope that Trump’s pro-Israel stance will lead to a shift in US policy towards the settlements, allowing them to expand and flourish without facing international condemnation.
However, Trump’s support for Israel has also sparked criticism and concern from the international community, which views his actions as a threat to the peace process and a violation of international law. The United Nations, the European Union, and many other countries have condemned Trump’s decision on Jerusalem and called for a return to negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians based on a two-state solution.
Despite the criticism, settlement supporters remain optimistic about the future under Trump’s presidency. They believe that his strong support for Israel will allow them to continue building and expanding settlements in the West Bank, further entrenching Israel’s control over the territory. With Trump in the White House, settlement supporters see a golden opportunity to advance their cause and secure Israel’s presence in the West Bank for years to come.