Israeli settlement timeline explained
This is a timeline of the development of and controversy over Israeli settlements. As of January 30, 2022 the West Bank settlement population was 490,493 and the settler population in the Golan Heights was almost 27,000 and in East Jerusalem the settler population was around 220,000.[1] [2] [3]
1967
- The cease-fire agreement following the 1967 Six-Day War leaves Israel in control of a number of areas captured during hostilities.
- From Jordan, Israel gains control of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
- From Egypt, Israel gains control of the Sinai Peninsula up to the Suez Canal, and the Gaza Strip.
- From Syria, Israel gains control of most of the Golan Heights, which since 1981 has been administered under the Golan Heights Law.
- The municipal borders of Jerusalem are extended to include all of the Old City as well as other areas. Residents within the new municipal borders are offered the choice between citizenship (subject to a few restrictions) and permanent residency (if they wished to retain their Jordanian passports).
- The Sinai, Gaza Strip, and West Bank are put under Israeli military occupation. Residents are not offered citizenship or residency, though they typically have de facto work permits within Israel and freedom of travel there.
1972
1975
1977
1978
- Israel forcibly evacuates its citizens from the Sinai and demolishes their homes as the area is returned to Egypt pursuant to the Camp David Accords. The last Israeli community in the area, Yamit, is evacuated by early 1982.
August
1979
March
- United Nations Security Council Resolution 446 is passed. The resolution states that it "Determines that the policy and practices of Israel in establishing settlements in the Palestinian and other Arab territories occupied since 1967 have no legal validity and constitute a serious obstruction to achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East". The resolution is passed 12 votes to 0 with 3 abstentions. This is the first of many such UN resolutions against the Israeli settlements.
1980
- The Knesset asserts Jerusalem's status as the nation's "eternal and indivisible capital" by passing the Jerusalem Law.
- The UN declares the Jerusalem Law "null and void", and the Security Council in resolution 465 ordered Israel to dismantle the settlements.
1981
December
- Israel extends its law to the Golan Heights, passing the Golan Heights Law, which grants permanent residency, ID cards, and Israeli citizenship to the residents, but does not formally annex the territory.
1983
1985
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
September
2001
2002
2003
April
- Israel and the Palestinians agree to the Road map for peace plan, in which Israel undertakes to freeze settlement building in all the occupied territories to accompany unconditional cessation of violence by the Palestinians.[7] [8]
2004
- Settler population. West Bank: 234,487[4] -235,263.[6] Gaza Strip:7,826. East Jerusalem: 181,587[4] -176,566.[6] Golan Heights: 17,265. Total: 441,828.[4]
- The Israeli Government and Parliament approve the evacuation of the Israeli settlements from the Gaza Strip and four settlements from northern Samaria." Nurit Kliot, "Resettlement of Refugees in Finland and Cyprus: A Comparative Analysis and Possible Lessons for Israel", in Arie Marcelo Kacowicz, Pawel Lutomski. Population Resettlement in International Conflicts: A Comparative Study, Lexington Books, 2007, p. 57.
2005
March
- The Sasson report finds that Israeli state bodies have been discreetly diverting millions of shekels to build West Bank settlements and outposts that were illegal under Israeli law. The report exposes the existence of at least 150 such illegal outposts that lack proper government authorization.
- The Israeli government confirms plans to increase the size of the Maale Adumim settlement, in the West Bank near Jerusalem, by 3,500 homes. Chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat criticizes the move, saying "[This] sabotages all efforts seeking to get the peace process back on track," and "The Israeli government wants to determine Jerusalem's fate by presenting the settlements and wall as a fait accompli.".[9]
August
2006
2007
November
- Annapolis Conference is held. Palestinians demand settlement freeze as precondition for talks however Israel stands by plan to build new settlements in East Jerusalem.[12]
December
- Israel decides to build 300 more Israeli homes in the Har Homa neighborhood of East Jerusalem, near Bethlehem. The move is condemned by the United States and the European Union.[13]
2008
March
- The Jerusalem municipality announces plans to build 600 new housing units in East Jerusalem. US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice states in response that settlement expansion should stop and was inconsistent with 'road map' obligations.[14]
November
December
2009
January
June
- US President Barack Obama makes his famous Cairo speech in which he says "The United States does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements".[16]
- Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barak authorizes the construction of 300 new homes in West Bank settlements.[17]
August
- US President Barack Obama demands a complete freeze on settlement construction in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. The Israeli government agrees to a freeze in the West Bank. Peace Now argues that Israel is attempting to fool the United States.[18] On 25 August 2009 Netanyahu says that he will attempt to gain an agreement with the U.S. to continue building settlements before attempting to talk with the Palestinians.[19] On 28 August 2009 US officials said they would not impose conditions on the parties, but that it would be up to the parties themselves to determine if the threshold for talks had been met.[20] Education Minister Gideon Sa'ar defended the freeze as an attempt to "protect the vital interests - Jerusalem and the relationship with the United States - and to avoid national isolation, because we won't be able to do the things close to our hearts while under international isolation."[21]
September
- Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal called Israel's proposal to temporarily halt settlement construction in exchange for improved relations with Arab countries "Dangerous", as he viewed it as an attempt to avoid US demands. The Hamas leader's opposition to the Israeli proposal was supported by Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa.[22]
November
- The United States government voices their dismay at the approved by the Israel's interior ministry of 900 additional housing units at a Jewish settlement in East Jerusalem. A White House spokesman says the move makes it "more difficult" to revive Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. Settlements on occupied territory are considered illegal under international law, though Israel disputes this and consider Gilo, the planned settlement area "an integral part of Jerusalem".[23]
December
- The Israeli government orders a 10-month lull in permits for new settlement homes in the West Bank.[24] The restrictions, which Israeli politicians and media have referred to as a "freeze",[24] do not apply to East Jerusalem (whose de facto annexation by Israel is not recognised internationally), municipal buildings, schools, synagogues and other community infrastructure in the settlements.[24] [25] About 3,000 homes already under construction will be allowed to proceed.[24] The Israeli government said the move was aimed at restarting peace talks, but Palestinian officials said it was insufficient.[24] Palestinian officials have refused to rejoin peace talks until a total building halt is imposed, including in East Jerusalem.[24] The announcement followed calls by the US government for a total freeze in settlement building.[24] The US government, the European Union, Russia and the UN have criticized Israel's plans to continue building in East Jerusalem[26] but both the US and the EU have stated that there should be no preconditions for resuming the suspended peace talks related to Israel's Road Map requirement to freeze settlements.[27] [28] although Palestinian participants would have to give prior acceptance of Israel's claim to statehood and refrain from violence.[29]
2010
March
- Israel announces plans to construct 1600 settler homes in the Ramat Shlomo settlement in East Jerusalem during United States Vice President Joe Biden's visit to the region. Biden condemns the decision saying "The substance and timing of the announcement, particularly with the launching of proximity talks, is precisely the kind of step that undermines the trust we need . . . and runs counter to the constructive discussions I've had in Israel."[30]
- United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stated "The world has condemned Israel's expansion plans in East Jerusalem. Let us be clear: all settlement activity is illegal anywhere in occupied territory, and this must stop." He spoke both for the United Nations and the Middle East Quartet.[31]
- The mayor of Jerusalem unveiled a plan to demolish 22 Israeli Arab homes in East Jerusalem to make way for a public park and tourist site.[32]
2011
February
- The U.S. vetoes a draft resolution to condemn all Israeli settlements in Palestinian territory as illegal.
2017
As of January 1, 2017 the West Bank settlement population was 420,899.[33]
2020
In 2020 the settler population in East Jerusalem was around 220,000.[34]
2021
In 2021 the settler population in the Golan Heights was almost 27,000[2]
2022
As of January 30, 2022 the West Bank settlement population was 490,493.[35]
The Israeli government’s Coalition Agreement of December 1, 2022 between incoming prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party and the far-right, ultra-nationalist Religious Zionism party of Bezalel Smotrich states that "the prime minister will work towards the formulation and promotion of a policy whereby sovereignty is applied to Judea and Samaria" (biblical names for the occupied West Bank). Smotrich would take up a new post of minister within the defense ministry, where he would oversee civil matters in the West Bank. Other commitments included legalization of dozens of unauthorized settlements and the provision of large funds for road building and public transport in the West Bank.[36] [37] To the concern of the US administration, Netanyahu made agreements with coalition partners to expand Israeli settlements and legalize dozens of Israeli outposts.[38]
2023
January
The new Israeli government told the Israeli High Court that the state would reverse its previous position that Israeli settlers leave Homesh, a yeshiva built on private Palestinian property, and that the government intends to change the Disengagement Law. The Palestinian landowners appealed to the court because they have been prevented from reaching their property due to settlers in the Israeli outpost blocking access. The State Attorney's Office said "the political echelon wishes to announce that, in accordance with the coalition agreements that were signed, it intends to act as soon as possible to amend the guidelines permitting Israelis to remain" and requested a further three months to submit another opinion.[39] [40]
In response to the decision to grant the government 90 days to explain its decision to reverse course on Homesh, the US said that "The Homesh outpost in the West Bank is illegal. It is illegal even under Israeli Law. Our call to refrain from unilateral steps certainly includes any decision to create a new settlement, to legalize outposts or allowing building of any kind deep in the West Bank, adjacent to Palestinian communities or on private Palestinian land."[41] [42]
February
Israel approved the legalization of nine illegal settler outposts. A US spokesman said "We strongly oppose expansion of settlements, and we're deeply concerned by reports about a process to legalize outposts that are illegal under Israeli law. We are seeking more information from the Israeli government on what has actually been decided." The Palestinian Authority condemned the decision as crossing "all red lines".[43] [44] [45] [46]
At a UNSC meeting of 20 February, the Council issued a formal statement condemning Israel's plan for settlement expansion on Palestinian territory. It was the first action the United States has permitted against Israel in six years. The statement said "The Security Council reiterates that continuing Israeli settlement activities are dangerously imperiling the viability of the two-State solution based on the 1967 lines" and "The Security Council expresses deep concern and dismay with Israel's announcement on February 12." The UAE did not push a draft resolution to a vote "given the positive talks between the parties." Netanyahu's office condemned the formal statement saying "The statement should not have been made and the United States should not have joined it."[47] [48]
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich took charge of most of the Civil Administration, obtaining broad authority over civilian issues in the West Bank. Israeli peace groups condemned the move as de jure annexation of occupied territories.[49] [50] Rights lawyer Michael Sfard tweeted that the action "entails de jure annexation of the West Bank".[51] [52]
Daniel Kurtzer, former US ambassador to Israel, accused the government of breaking a written agreement with Washington by legalising a "group of hardline nationalist and religious settlements" and called on the Biden administration to prevent Israel's "creeping annexation" of the West Bank.[53]
March
Israel repealed a 2005 law whereby four Israeli settlements, Homesh, Sa-Nur, Ganim and Kadim, were dismantled as part of the Israeli disengagement from Gaza. The move was condemned by the PA and the EU, the latter calling for the revocation of the new law. Critics, including some of the Israeli opposition and NGOs supporting Palestinian rights, denounced the move as a prelude to annexation of the West Bank.[54] [55] [56] [57] The US, in addition to denouncing the move,[58] also summoned the Israeli ambassador to express concern.[59]
May
With Israeli government approval, Israeli settlers relocated a yeshiva established on private Palestinian land in Homesh, to a nearby spot designated state-owned land. The relocation was carried out despite international opposition, including repeatedly from the U.S., and the opposition of the Israeli attorney general.[60] [61] [62] [63] [64]
June
Israel shortened the procedure of approving settlement construction and gave Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich the authority to approve one of the stages, changing the system operating for the last 27 years. The United States said it was "deeply troubled" by the Israeli plans that explicitly violate previous commitments made by Israel to the Biden administration. "The United States is deeply troubled by the Israeli government’s reported decision to advance planning for over 4,000 settlement units in the West Bank. We are similarly concerned by reports of changes to Israel’s system of settlement administration that expedite the planning and approvals of settlements". Tor Wennesland, United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process urged a halt and reversal of the decisions and said "I am deeply concerned by the Israeli Government’s decision yesterday to alter settlement planning procedures that have been in place since 1996, which is expected to expedite settlement expansion. I am also alarmed by the anticipated advancement next week of over 4,000 settlement housing units by Israeli planning authorities". The Israeli press reported that the US has informed Israel that the Negev forum on regional cooperation will be postponed as a result of the Israeli moves.[65] [66] [67] [68] [69]
The US criticized Israel’s advancement of plans for 5,700 new homes in Jewish settlements and said it was "an obstacle to peace".[70] [71] [72] [73]
July
In its first six months, construction of 13,000 housing units in settlements, almost triple the amount advanced in the whole of 2022.[74] [75]
In a CNN interview on 9 July 2023, US President Joe Biden said that extreme cabinet ministers in the coalition that back settling "anywhere they want" in the West Bank are "part of the problem" in the conflict.[76] [77]
December
On December 4, the Lower Aqueduct plan for 1792 housing units was approved in an expedited process, marking the first major new East Jerusalem settlement plan in East Jerusalem since Givat HaMatos in 2012. [78] [79]
2024
After Palestinian gunmen killed one Israeli and injured five Israelis near Ma'ale Adumim, Israel's far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich in February 2024 announced a "settlement response" after speaking to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, as "any harm to us will lead to more construction and more development and more of our hold all over the country", with 2,350 more homes in Ma'ale Adumim and 300 more homes in Kedar being arranged for approval, as well as 700 more homes in Efrat slated to be built.[80] American Secretary of State Antony Blinken criticized the announcement, stating that new Israeli settlements are "inconsistent with international law" and "counter-productive to reaching an enduring peace", risking "Israel’s security".[80] Israel's government in early March 2024 fully approved 694 more settler homes for Efrat, and additionally progressed the approval of 2,452 more settler homes in Ma'ale Adumim and 330 more settler homes in Kedar, reported Haaretz.[81] [82]
In late March 2024, Minister Smotrich declared that the Israeli government had newly seized 10 km2 of land in the West Bank, "promoting settlement through hard work and in a strategic manner all over the country".[83] Some of the seized land were in the Jordan Valley, and some were between the Israeli settlements Ma'ale Adumim and Kedar.[83] Settlement watchdog group Peace Now claimed that this land seizure was the largest by the Israeli government since the Oslo Accords of 1993.[83] The European Union confirmed that in the past year Israel had advanced the most West Bank settlements in decades.[84]
Notes and References
- News: Ben Caspit: "The Settlers Won". . 2017-05-21 . 2022-05-12 .
- News: Israel plans to quadruple settler population in Golan Heights . . 2021-10-11 . 2022-05-12 .
- News: Jerusalem's Changing Demographics: An Overview from the Jerusalem Statistical Yearbook . . 2020-06-07 .
- Web site: Israeli Settler Population 1972-2006 . Foundation for Middle East Peace . 2010-03-15 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20081118071827/http://fmep.org/settlement_info/settlement-info-and-tables/stats-data/israeli-settler-population-1972-2006 . November 18, 2008 .
- Web site: Warring Communities Separated By Wall. Nunez. Sandy. ABCNEWS.
- Web site: . Population by year in West Bank settlements . 2010-03-14 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20100223172806/http://www.btselem.org/English/Settlements/Settlement_population.xls . February 23, 2010 .
- http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/2989783.stm The roadmap, Full text
- News: Israel flouts road map with new settlement . The Guardian . London . Conal . Urquhart . 2004-08-06 . 2010-05-05.
- News: Israel confirms settlement growth . . 2005-03-21 . 2010-03-13.
- Book: A History of the World from the 20th to the 21st Century . John Ashley Soames Grenville . 2005 . Routledge . 937 . Ariel Sharon with the backing of President Bush embarked on unilateral solutions in 2004. He wishes to persuade Israelis to withdraw from Gaza and to accept the removal of some 7000 settlers. . 978-0-415-28955-9.
- News: What next for Gaza and West Bank? . BBC . Most Israelis support the pullout, but some feel the government has given in to Palestinian militant groups, and worry that further withdrawals will follow. Palestinian critics point out that Gaza will remain under Israeli control, and that they are being denied a political say in the disengagement process. . 2005-08-30 . 2010-01-05.
- Book: Yearbook of the United Nations 2005. 514. 2007. United Nations Publications. The Israeli Government was preparing to implement an unprecedented initiative: the disengagement of all Israeli civilians and forces from the Gaza Strip and the dismantling of four settlements in the northern West Bank.. 978-92-1-100967-5.
- Book: Land Or Peace . Yael Yishai . 58 . 1987 . Hoover Press . During 1982 Israel's government stuck to its territorial policy in word and deed. All the settlements in Sinai were evacuated in accordance with the Camp David Accords, but settlement activity in the other territories continued uninterrupted. A few days after the final withdrawal from Sinai had been completed, Begin announced that he would introduce a resolution barring future governments from dismantling settlements, even as a result of peace negotiations. . 978-0-8179-8521-9.
- "Instead, he chose total disengagement from Gaza and the dismantlement of four settlements in northern Samaria." Zvi Shtauber, Yiftah Shapir. The Middle East Strategic Balance 2005-2006, Sussex Academic Press, 2007, p. 123.
- "Prior to forming his new coalition with the Labor Party, Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon strong-armed members of his Likud cabinet to support Labor's idea of unilateral withdrawal from Gaza and four settlements in northern Samaria." Getz, Leonard. "Likudniks Against Sharon: Rebels or Loyalists?", The Jewish Exponent, 01-13-2005.
- "Understandably so: in the end, the Gaza withdrawal took all of six days while the pullout from four settlements in northern Samaria was accomplished in a single day." Zelnick, Robert. Israel's Unilaterialism: Beyond Gaza, Hoover Press, 2006, p. 157.
- "The four West Bank settlements that Israel is evacuating are all located in the biblical Land of Israel — territory that observant Jews believe was promised to the Jewish people in the Old Testament. The area of the West Bank, known as northern Samaria, was inhabited by the tribe of Menashe, one of the 10 tribes of Israel that were forced into exile." "Biblical significance of West Bank settlements", International Herald Tribune, August 23, 2005.
- "Others not only support comprehensive talks but call for abandonment of Israel's plan to disengage from Gaza and four settlements in northern Samaria." Sofaer, Abraham D. "Disengagement First", Hoover Digest 2005 No. 1, Hoover Institution.
- "In August 2005, Israel vacated the Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip--mainly in Gush Katif--as well as four settlements in northern Samaria." Inbari, Motti. "Fundamentalism in crisis - the response of the Gush Emunim rabbinical authorities to the theological dilemmas raised by Israel's Disengagement plan", Journal of Church and State, Autumn, 2007.
- News: Naftali . Tamir . Retreat with peace in mind . . August 15, 2005 . Four settlements will be evacuated in the northern Samaria region of the West Bank..
- News: Palestinian negotiators to urge settlement freeze during talks . . 2007-11-12.
- News: EU criticises Israel settler plan . 2007-12-10 . . 2010-01-05.
- News: Rice calls for Israel to halt settlement expansion . 2008-03-31 . Reuters.
- News: Israeli court rebukes state over illegal outposts . 2008-11-28 . . Joshua . Mitnick . 2010-03-13.
- Web site: Remarks by the President on a New Beginning . 2009-06-05 . . . 2010-03-12 .
- News: Barak authorizes construction of 300 new homes in West Bank . . 2008-06-26 . 2010-03-13.
- Web site: Report Slams Israeli Claim of Settlement Freeze. www.globalsecurity.org.
- Web site: Israeli PM Says Settlement Building to Continue During Peace Talks. www.globalsecurity.org.
- Web site: U.S.: We will be flexible on conditions for Mideast talks.
- Web site: Sa'ar: Netanyahu saving Israel from global isolation.
- Web site: Hamas Leader says Israeli Settlement Proposal "Dangerous". www.globalsecurity.org.
- http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/8364815.stm US raps Israeli settlement plan
- News: Jewish settlers in West Bank building curb protest . 2009-12-09. BBC. 12 December 2009.
- News: Israeli minister: no real "freeze" on settlement. 2009-12-11. Reuters. 12 December 2009.
- News: Kouchner: Gilo construction won't necessarily hinder peace talks. 2009-11-18. Ynet. 12 December 2009.
- News: Netanyahu questions Abbas's commitment to peace. https://web.archive.org/web/20110811142848/http://af.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idAFTRE5AS1KJ20091129. dead. 2011-08-11. 2009-11-29. Reuters. 12 December 2009.
- News: E.U. moderates stance on Jerusalem. 2009-12-09. The Washington Post. 12 December 2009 . Howard . Schneider.
- News: Fatah-Hamas unity government: Israel condemns move . BBC News . 2012-02-07.
- News: US condemns Israeli plan . . John . Lyons . 2010-03-11 . 2010-03-12.
- News: UN chief Ban Ki-moon demands Israel settlements halt . 2010-03-21 . 2010-03-21 . BBC.
- News: Jerusalem mayor unveils demolition plan . . 2010-03-02 . 2010-03-29 . London . Rory . McCarthy.
- News: Ben Caspit: "The Settlers Won". . 2022-03-10 . 2022-05-12 .
- News: Jerusalem's Changing Demographic: An Overview from the Jerusalem Statistical Yearbook. . 2020-06-07 . 2022-05-12 .
- News: Israeli settlement population up 16.5 percent in five years. . 2017-05-21 . 2022-05-12 .
- Web site: Religious Zionism deal: West Bank sovereignty, settlement growth, discrimination law. Jeremy. Sharon. www.timesofisrael.com.
- Web site: End-of-mission statement by the UN Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices 16 June 2023 - occupied Palestinian territory | ReliefWeb. June 16, 2023. reliefweb.int.
- Web site: Top Biden aide set to visit Israel amid fears over Netanyahu's plans for West Bank. Jacob. Magid. The Times of Israel. 31 December 2022. 30 April 2023.
- News: Top Court Stalls Israeli Gov't Plan to Repeal Disengagement Law Over West Bank Outpost. Haaretz.
- Web site: Sharon . Jeremy . High Court demands government explain refusal to demolish Homesh outpost . 2023-02-03 . The Times of Israel. 2 January 2023 . en-US.
- News: U.S. Sets Red Line on Illegal West Bank Outpost, Setting Up Clash With Netanyahu. Haaretz.
- Web site: US opposes Israeli plans to rebuild Homesh West Bank settlement. The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com.
- Web site: Israel legalizes 9 West Bank outposts despite U.S. objection. Barak. Ravid. 12 February 2023. Axios.
- News: Israel to authorise nine 'wild' West Bank settlements. Agence France-Presse. 13 February 2023. The Guardian. 7 April 2023.
- Web site: Israel legalises nine settler outposts in occupied West Bank. Al Jazeera. 13 February 2023. 7 April 2023.
- Web site: Foreign ministry condemns Israeli cabinet's approval to legalize 9 settlement outpost in West Bank. WAFA.
- Web site: PM's office slams UN statement against settlements, says US shouldn't have backed it. The Times of Israel. 20 February 2023. 30 March 2023.
- News: UN Security Council Condemns Israel's Legalizing of West Bank Outposts. Haaretz.
- Web site: Smotrich handed sweeping powers over West Bank, control over settlement planning. Jeremy. Sharon. The Times of Israel. 23 February 2023. 28 March 2023.
- News: Former US ambassador accuses Israel of 'creeping annexation' of the West Bank. Chris. McGreal. 24 February 2023. The Guardian.
- Michael Sfard מיכאל ספרד. sfardm. Today the government of Israel has taken an action which entails de jure annexation of the West Bank. 23 February 2023 . 1628773117391667205.
- Web site: Jimmy Carter's warning: Without peace, Israel must face 'apartheid'. WAPO.
- Web site: Former US ambassador accuses Israel of ‘creeping annexation’ of the West Bank. Chris. McGreal. February 24, 2023. The Guardian.
- Web site: Israel repeals law that ordered dismantling of four West Bank settlements. Financial Times. James. Shotter. 21 March 2023. 25 March 2023.
- Web site: Israel repeals 2005 act on West Bank settlement pullout. 21 March 2023. AP News. Ilan. Ben Zion. 25 March 2023.
- Web site: Israeli government lifts ban on return to West Bank settlements. 21 March 2023. Reuters. 25 March 2023.
- Web site: Ban lifted on Israelis' return to evacuated West Bank settlements. 21 March 2023. BBC News. Anna. Foster. David. Gritten. 25 March 2023.
- News: U.S. Denounces 'Provocative' Settlement Law, Slams Smotrich's 'Dangerous' Comments on Palestinians. Haaretz.
- News: In Rare Move, U.S. Summons Israeli Ambassador Over Settlement Legislation. Haaretz.
- Web site: Despite International Uproar | Yeshiva in West Bank Outpost of Homesh Relocated Illegally Overnight, With Gov’t Approval. Haaretz. Yaniv. Kubovich. Ben. Samuels. 29 May 2023. 29 May 2023.
- Web site: Jewish settlers erect religious school in evacuated West Bank outpost after Israel repeals ban. 29 May 2023. AP NEWS. Tia. Goldenberg. 29 May 2023.
- Web site: Eighty Israeli Soldiers for 30 Settlers: Inside Homesh’s Revival. Haaretz.
- Web site: UK, EU Join U.S. in Strong Criticism of Israel's Relocation of West Bank Outpost of Homesh. Haaretz.
- Web site: How the Israeli Army Broke the Law by Capitulating to Settler Pressure on Homesh. Haaretz.
- Web site: U.S. ‘Deeply Troubled’ by Israeli Settlement Plans That Violate Commitment to Biden. Haaretz.
- Web site: Israel Eases West Bank Settlement Rules, Clearing Way for New Homes. Isabel. Kershner. 18 June 2023. The New York Times. 19 June 2023.
- Web site: US postpones Negev Summit over new Israel settlement plans. 19 June 2023. The New Arab. 19 June 2023.
- Web site: Israeli government gives settler minister control over West Bank settlement planning. 18 June 2023. AP NEWS. Ilan. Ben Zion. 19 June 2023.
- Web site: UN Special Coordinator concerned about Israel's decision to alter settlement planning. WAFA.
- Web site: US hits at Israel’s plans for more settler homes in West Bank. James. Shotter. Financial Times. 27 June 2023. 28 June 2023.
- Web site: West Bank: US 'troubled' by Israeli settlement expansion plans. BBC News. Yolande. Knell. 27 June 2023. 28 June 2023.
- Web site: US 'deeply troubled' by Israel's approval of settler building permits. 27 June 2023. Reuters. 28 June 2023.
- Web site: U.S. 'Deeply Troubled' by Israel's Decision to Build Over 5,000 Housing Units in West Bank. Haaretz. Ben. Samuels. Hagar. Shezaf. 26 June 2023. 30 June 2023.
- Web site: How Israel has tightened its grip on the West Bank. James. Shotter. July 7, 2023.
- Web site: Netanyahu hands Smotrich full authority to expand existing settlements. Jeremy. Sharon. www.timesofisrael.com.
- Web site: Biden: Israeli cabinet has some of most extreme members I’ve seen; Saudi deal far off. Jacob. Magid. www.timesofisrael.com.
- Web site: Biden criticises 'most extreme' ministers in Israeli government. July 10, 2023. www.bbc.com.
- https://mailchi.mp/ir-amim/israel-approves-lower-aqueduct-plan?e=7fe22e41ce
- Web site: Israeli Authorities Resume Advancement of Lower Aqueduct Settlement-Neighborhood Plan. us20.campaign-archive.com.
- News: Frankel . Julia . Israel plans to build 3,300 new settlement homes. It says it’s a response to a Palestinian attack . 25 February 2024 . . 24 February 2024.
- News: Gritten . David . Israel approves plans for 3,400 new homes in West Bank settlements . 7 March 2024 . . 6 March 2024.
- News: Shezaf . Hagar . Israel's Approves Construction of 3,476 Housing Units in West Bank Settlements . 7 March 2024 . . 6 March 2024.
- News: Brown . Cate . Israel announces largest West Bank land seizure since 1993 during Blinken visit . 23 March 2024 . . 22 March 2024 . https://archive.today/20240323103026/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/03/22/israel-largest-west-bank-settlement-blinken-visit/ . 23 March 2024.
- Web site: Israel Advances Most West Bank Settlements In Decades: EU . Barron's . Agence France Presse . 17 August 2024.
