Israeli media has reported that the Samaria Regional Council is advancing a significant settlement initiative called the “Connecting Plan,” which aims to establish or restore 18 settlements in the northern occupied West Bank. This plan includes the revival of four settlements that were evacuated as part of the 2005 Israeli disengagement, specifically Homesh, Sanur, Ganim, and Kadim. In total, the project envisions not only the return of these four but also the creation, expansion, or reconstruction of an additional 14 settlements. Some aspects of the initiative have reportedly received preliminary approval from the Israeli government, while others are pending political and planning decisions. The Samaria Regional Council has been actively promoting this expansion, framing it as a long-term strategy to reinforce Israeli settlement presence in the region nearly two decades after the disengagement.
Why It Matters
Settlement expansion in the West Bank has been a contentious issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, significantly impacting peace efforts and regional stability. The 2005 disengagement led to the evacuation of several settlements, but the recent proposals to re-establish them indicate a shift in Israeli policy and intentions in the area. Settlement activities are viewed by many international observers as illegal under international law, complicating Israel’s relations with the Palestinian Authority and the broader international community. Historically, such expansions have resulted in increased tensions and violence, further entrenching divisions and hindering potential negotiations for a two-state solution.
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