The US administration allegedly pressured Israel to stop attacks against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. Following that pressure, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu allegedly ordered the removal of illegal settlement outposts in Area B.
The area reportedly contains numerous illegal settlements coordinated with the Israeli army, as well as around 130 so-called agricultural farms and approximately 100 unauthorized outposts. Between 15 and 20 of the outposts are located in Areas A and B of the West Bank.
Settlement pressure in the West Bank
The US administration allegedly demanded the evacuation of settlement outposts, particularly those in Area B. A warning was issued that illegal settlements established by Israelis who have seized Palestinian land were fueling the cycle of violence and that the coming period could see an unprecedented wave of settlement expansion.
Before elections planned by the Palestinian administration, the Israeli army reportedly increased its presence in the occupied West Bank by deploying two battalions to the area. As attacks by Israelis who have seized Palestinian land continued, Israel was said to be seeking to limit Hamas's influence in the Palestinian elections.
Huckabee visits al-Mughayyir
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee visited the town of al-Mughayyir in the Ramallah area. Speaking in the town, whose population consists mostly of Palestinians who are US citizens, Huckabee described attacks by Israelis who have seized Palestinian land as “terrorism.”
Huckabee said Israel opposed not the settlements in the West Bank but illegal outposts and attacks. He argued that the Israelis carrying out the attacks did not represent 99 percent of Israeli society.
