US, UK, UN oppose Israel’s move to tighten control over West Bank
(VOVWORLD) - The United States, the United Kingdom and the United Nations have voiced opposition to Israel’s decision to tighten control over the West Bank, after Israel’s Security Cabinet approved measures expanding the authority of officials in the territory, acquiring land from Jewish settlers, and taking action against individuals deemed to be in violation of environmental and archaeological regulations in areas administered by the Palestinian Authority.
 Palestinians protest against Israeli settlements near Nablus in the Israel-occupied West Bank, September 2023. (Photo: REUTERS/Raneen Sawafta) |
US media quoted a White House official as saying that President Donald Trump opposed the decision, stressing that stability in the West Bank is essential to Israel’s own security and in line with Washington’s goal to achieve peace in the region.
The UK Foreign Office warned that the major changes to land, enforcement, and administrative powers proposed in the West Bank will harm efforts to advance peace and stability. London emphasized that any unilateral attempt to alter the geographic or demographic make-up of Palestine is wholly unacceptable and would be inconsistent with international law. It called on Israel to reverse these decisions immediately. The UK reiterated that a two-state solution remains the only viable path to long-term peace with a safe and secure Israel living alongside a viable and sovereign Palestine.
On the same day, UN Secretary-General António Guterres reaffirmed that all Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and their associated regime and infrastructure, have no legal validity and are in flagrant violation of international law. The UN chief warned that the current trajectory on the ground, including this decision, is eroding the prospect for the two-state solution.