Mike Pompeo says the U.S. is now okay with Israeli settlements in the West Bank
The United States is changing its tune when it comes to Israeli settlements in the West Bank, bucking international consensus in the process.
"The establishment of Israeli civilian settlements is not, per se, inconsistent with international law," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters during a press conference Monday.
The statement indicates that the U.S. will take a softer stance on the matter going forward, which is becoming a trend for the Trump administration in matters related to the Israeli-Palestine conflict. Reuters notes that the latest announcement follows Washington's 2017 decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and 2018 decision to move the U.S. embassy to the city.
Unsurprisingly, Pompeo's words were not received warmly among Palestinians. Hanan Ashrawi, a veteran Palestinian negotiator and member of the Palestine Liberation Organization's Executive Committee, criticized the announcement on Twitter.
Another blow to international law, justice & peace by a Biblical absolutist waiting for the "rapture."
Israeli settlements not 'inconsistent with international law,' Pompeo set to announce https://t.co/OpZ4aY8xj2— Hanan Ashrawi (@DrHananAshrawi) November 18, 2019
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on the other hand, was pleased by the decision, which is viewed as a victory for his camp as he struggles to remain in power in Israel.
Reaction from #Netanyahu to #Pompeo saying #Israel settlements in occupied West Bank not inconsistent with intl law "This policy reflects a historical truth: Jewish people are not foreign colonialists in Judea &Samaria. We are called Jews because we are the people of Judea" pic.twitter.com/9332wT2W8N
— Bel Trew (@Beltrew) November 18, 2019
The new stance could be risky for the Trump administration, though, as it's likely to alienate other foreign powers, including the European Union. That could subsequently make it even more difficult for the White House to carry out its Middle East peace plan.
7/7 The US shift in policy on Jewish settlements is a significant break with most of the rest of the world, including Europe, and decreases chances of international support for the Trump peace plan, should it ever be unveiled
— Barbara Plett Usher (@BBCBarbaraPlett) November 18, 2019
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