Is Israel's latest settlement announcement in the West Bank a move toward annexation?

Israel has announced that the construction of a recently approved settlement in the occupied West Bank settlement bloc of Gush Etzion (Etzion Bloc) is completed, despite widespread condemnation by rights groups as a breach of international law. 

Israel's latest announcement comes amid its ongoing military offensive in Gaza and as four other settlements are also set to be established in response to countries unilaterally recognising Palestinian statehood, as well as "punishing" the Palestinian Authority (PA), according to Israeli media. 

The decision was praised by Israeli far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who championed the establishment of the settlement, stating that it would help link Jerusalem to the settlement area. 

He also reaffirmed his commitment to opposing the creation of a Palestinian state by "establishing facts on the ground" such as the Nahal Heletz settlement.

Smotrich described the construction and location of Nahal Heletz as a "historic moment" and stated that the Israeli government has reinforced this decision by actively promoting the new Blue Line for Nahal Heletz, which will enable the continued construction of the settlement.

The "Blue Line" is defined by the Israeli army’s civil administration (COGAT) as borders that illustrate the boundaries of the settlement region- as Israeli land. 

Smotrich continued: "No anti-Israel and anti-Zionist decision will stop the continued development of the settlement." 

'Neglecting the needs of both Israelis and Palestinians'

Activists and rights groups have warned that Israel’s latest move is an attempt to seize more Palestinian land, including East Jerusalem. 

This comes as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) confirmed in a July ruling that Israel has illegally annexed large parts of Palestinian territory by its policies and practices. 

The ICJ opinion concluded that Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank - and by extension, the Israeli government - are in violation of international law. 

The court stated: "Israel's policies, including settlement expansion, infrastructure development, and the exploitation of natural resources, are intended to remain in place indefinitely. These actions amount to the annexation of large parts of Palestinian territories."  

It further ruled that Israel's presence in the West Bank and East Jerusalem is unlawful and must be ended as soon as possible, including the evacuation of Jewish settlers from these areas. 

In its report last month, Israeli NGO Peace Now stated that the Blue Line must be updated before a construction plan can proceed.  

The organisation highlighted the fragmented and irregular shape of the Blue Line, noting the challenges of building settlements in such an area.  

Based on past experiences, Peace Now warned that land outside the Blue Line is likely to be incorporated into the settlement, denying Palestinians access to it. 

The silence of the international community only emboldens these actions.

For the sake of these children—and every child—this must stop.

The illegal occupation and annexation must end - now. https://t.co/1cnsq6Rq2g pic.twitter.com/mCsdh8x6Xk

— Peace Now (@peacenowisrael) September 2, 2024

Part of the area included in the new settlement plan, announced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Smotrich, is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  

The plan is also said to represent de facto annexation, defying the UNESCO Convention to which Israel is a signatory. 

Peace Now also pointed out that the proposed settlement in Nahal Heletz would create an isolated enclave deep within Palestinian territories, inevitably leading to increased tensions and security challenges. 

"Amidst one of the most volatile periods since the outbreak of this war, the Finance Minister and the Prime Minister remain fixated on expanding settlements in the heart of Palestinian communities," Peace Now said in a statement. 

"Their actions reveal a government that prioritizes settlement expansion over addressing our severe economic and security crises." 

The organisation added: "This administration is wholly dedicated to advancing the settlement enterprise while completely neglecting the needs of both Israelis and Palestinians. This government must be held accountable and replaced – now."

Anti-settlement activist Jamil Kassis told Turkish news agency Anadolu that the construction of a settlement that connects the Gush Etzion region to Jerusalem will "create an uninterrupted settlement in a straight line", adding that "Bethlehem will be isolated from other areas."

Kassas emphasised that the Israeli government is a "usurper and colonialist" entity, stating that its policy of land usurpation begins by "first confiscating 1-2 acres, then gradually expanding this area".

He explained that the lands are eventually fenced off, declared closed military zones, and Palestinians are cut off from their own territories. 

"Everyone must defend their land. For Palestinians, land means life," Kassas added. 

Last week, the US announced new sanctions on Israeli settlers in the West Bank in response to violence against Palestinians, urging Israel to ensure greater accountability. 

In response, Netanyahu's office stated that he regarded the sanctions "with utmost severity" and noted that they were the subject of "pointed discussion" with Washington. 

Since the 1967 Middle East war, Israel has occupied the West Bank, a territory that Palestinians seek as the core of an independent state. 

Israel has constructed Jewish settlements there - a move considered illegal under international law.

In February, the Biden administration reaffirmed that the settlements are inconsistent with international law, signalling a return to the long-standing US policy on the issue, which the previous administration of Donald Trump had reversed. 

Since 7 October, at least 637 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank by Israeli troops or settlers, according to the United Nations.