Israel backs draft bill to legalise settlements

Israel backs draft bill to legalise settlements
By Euronews
Share this articleComments
Share this articleClose Button
Copy/paste the article video embed link below:Copy to clipboardCopied

Israel’s parliament has approved a draft bill to legalise thousands of Jewish settlements on privately-owned Palestinian land in the West Bank.

ADVERTISEMENT

Israel’s parliament has approved a draft bill to legalise thousands of Jewish settlements on privately-owned Palestinian land in the West Bank.

Washington has described the move as troubling, saying it could pave the way for dozens of outposts without Israeli government authorisation.

The vote in the Knesset passed by 57 to 52 votes.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is said to have initially tried to stall the measure pushed by right-wing members of his government, fearing an international backlash and legal implications.

On Sunday, Israeli settlers demonstrated for MPs to approve the bill and for the evacuation of the disputed outpost of Amona to be halted.

The measure must now pass through three readings in parliament and also be ratified by the Supreme Court before it can become law.

If approved, critics, say the measure will apply to thousands of settlements currently considered illegal and also permit, what they call the ‘‘theft’‘, of any Palestinian owned land.

Share this articleComments

You might also like

Living with occupation, a look at everyday life for East Jerusalem's Palestinians

The Palestinian Territories' 'delicious' one and only brewery faces constant adversity

Israel sets deadline for Rafah offensive as Netanyahu vows to 'finish the job' in Gaza