Gantz supports unilateral annexation, and he does not stop at the so-called “major settlement blocs.” Back in September, he complained that Netanyahu had “stolen” his annexation plan. Gantz made his complaint very public, concerned that he would be seen as opposing annexation.
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How are Israeli settlements justified?
Israel has justified its civilian settlements by stating that a temporary use of land and buildings for various purposes appears permissible under a plea of military necessity and that the settlements fulfilled security needs.
Does Israel have the right to build settlements on the West Bank or Gaza?
Since December 2007, approval by both the Israeli Prime Minister and Israeli Defense Minister of all settlement activities (including planning) in the West Bank is required.
Who is the head of Likud?
LikudLikud הליכודChairpersonBenjamin NetanyahuFounderMenachem BeginFounded1973 (alliance) 1988 (unified party)Merger ofGahal (Herut and Liberal Party), Free Centre, National List and Movement for Greater Israel18 more rows
Why does Israel keep building settlements?
Though there may be specific political reasons for specific settlement projects, the overarching reason Israel promotes settlement growth is security. Under the armistices lines, Israel was cut off by the West Bank, and enemy borders were close to population centers.
How much land has Palestine lost to Israel?
During and immediately following the state's creation in 1948, Israel expropriated approximately 4,244,776 acres of Palestinian land. In the process, more than 400 Palestinian cities and towns were systematically destroyed by Israeli forces or repopulated with Jews.
What does Meretz stand for?
Meretz (Hebrew: מֶרֶצ, Arabic: ميرتس lit. "Vigour") is a left-wing political party in Israel.
What does Shas stand for?
Shas is not a word. It's an acronym made up of the Hebrew letters sh and s, which stand for shomrei Torah Sfaradayim, or “Sephardi Torah observers.” This was originally the party's full name, according to the Knesset website.
What does the word Likud mean in english?
(lɪˈkuːd ) noun. a political coalition in Israel formed in the 1970s from an alliance of right-of-centre parties. Word origin.
Is Israel building settlements on West Bank?
Israel has continued to support settlement initiatives through financial incentives and security support by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Today, there are upwards of 450,000 Israeli settlers in the West Bank, excluding East Jerusalem.
Why does Israel have settlements in the West Bank?
Israel has cited several reasons for retaining the West Bank within its ambit: a claim based on the notion of historic rights to this as a homeland as affirmed in the Balfour Declaration of 1917; security grounds, both internal and external; and the deep symbolic value for Jews of the area occupied.
Why are there Israeli settlements in the West Bank?
Settlements are communities of Jews that have been moving to the West Bank since it came under Israeli occupation in 1967. Some of the settlers move there for religious reasons, some because they want to claim the West Bank territory as Israeli land, and some because the housing there tends to be cheap and subsidized.
How do Israeli settlements work?
According to the Israeli government, settlements are built on land not registered to Palestinians at the time of the 1967 war, unlike outposts, which are built on land that was registered to Palestinians (and are therefore illegal). Some outposts have been cleared while others were later legalized [source: Simons].
What issues did Gantz discuss with the PA?
Gantz met with the Palestinian Authority (PA) President two weeks ago and discussed several issues, including stability in the occupied West Bank and security cooperation.
How many Jewish settlements are there in the West Bank?
Around half a million Jewish settlers live in more than 250 illegal settlements and outposts built on occupied Palestinian territories in the West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem. All are in contravention of international law.
