Understanding Intensive Settlement in the West Bank
The Israeli government has recently approved a military order allowing for intensive, multi-storey construction in West Bank settlements, significantly increasing the number of settlers in these areas. This decision has raised concerns among Palestinian residents, particularly in towns like Qarawat Bani Hassan, where locals like Fawzi Rayyan witness the rapid expansion of the Kiryat Netafim settlement on their ancestral lands. Despite court rulings affirming their ownership, Palestinians are often barred from developing their properties while settlers expand their presence.
The new construction strategy, described as 'saturated' or 'layered' building, allows for more housing units to be constructed in a smaller area, effectively doubling the number of settlers without the need for extensive land acquisition. This method has been in practice informally for years, with settlers already erecting multiple apartment buildings since 2019, often without proper legal permissions. Local officials, such as Ibrahim Asi, the mayor of Qarawat Bani Hassan, express alarm over these developments, noting that they not only confiscate land but also threaten the livelihoods of thousands of Palestinians.
Implications of Settlement Expansion
The implications of this intensive settlement strategy are profound. It not only increases the settler population but also connects settlements like Kiryat Netafim to others, such as Barkan, effectively isolating Palestinian communities. Currently, 92% of the land owned by Qarawat Bani Hassan is classified as Area C, under full Israeli military control, limiting Palestinian access and development rights.
According to reports, the Israeli Settlement Authority plans to construct an additional 10,000 housing units in the West Bank within the next year, which would represent a significant increase in settlement activity. This is part of a broader strategy aimed at settling one million Israelis in the West Bank, a move that has sparked international criticism and heightened tensions in the region. The Palestinian Wall and Settlement Authority estimates that around 780,000 settlers currently reside in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, occupying about 5% of the territory, while Israel controls 42% under various designations.
As the situation evolves, the ongoing expansion of settlements poses serious risks to the Palestinian population, exacerbating an already volatile situation and complicating efforts towards peace and coexistence in the region.
