Israeli settlement expansion plans took a contentious leap forward Monday as authorities approved tenders for 974 new housing units in Efrat. Anti-settlement watchdog Peace Now called the project a "strategic threat" that could expand Efrat's population by 40% while choking Bethlehem's development.
The move comes amid heightened Middle East tensions following Hamas' October 2023 attack, with 136 hostages still held in Gaza. Peace Now's settlement tracking director Hagit Ofran stated:
"While families await reunification, the government prioritizes land grabs that sabotage future peace agreements."
Key impacts of the expansion include:
- Encroachment on Bethlehem's last open land reserves
- Consolidation of Israeli control over Jerusalem-Hebron corridor
- Creation of irreversible "facts on the ground" ahead of potential peace talks
Israel has constructed over 100 settlements since occupying the West Bank in 1967, housing 500,000 citizens under military protection. Palestinians in the territory remain under martial law while awaiting statehood recognition. Major human rights organizations describe the unequal system as apartheid, though Israel rejects the characterization.
The Biden administration reiterated concerns about settlement growth last week, but historical patterns show construction often accelerates during U.S. election years. Previous Democratic administrations criticized expansions but took minimal concrete action to halt them.
With Netanyahu'government approving 4,500 settlement units since the Gaza war began, analysts warn of rising violence risks. Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh condemned the Efrat expansion as "colonialism disguised as housing policy" during Tuesday's cabinet meeting.
