Israel’s Illegal Settlement Policies: 2023 Report
Israel has stepped up its illegal settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, according to a 2023 report prepared by the European Union’s representation in the West Bank and Gaza. The report marks the highest number of settlements recorded since 2012.
More than 30,000 illegal housing units built in one year
In 2023, a total of 30,682 illegal housing units were built, including 18,333 in occupied East Jerusalem and 12,349 in the West Bank. Although construction activity remained particularly high in East Jerusalem, a significant increase was observed in the West Bank compared to 2022. While only 4,427 housing units were built in the West Bank in 2022, this number almost tripled to 12,349 in 2023. This represents the highest number of illegal settlements recorded in the West Bank since the Oslo Accords between the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) and Israel in 1994. Illegal Jewish settlement construction in 2023 increased by 180% in the past five years.
Extra Obstacles to the Two-State Solution
The approval of illegal settlements on the southern periphery of Jerusalem severs the critical link between East Jerusalem and the West Bank for the Palestinian state. Specifically, the approval of the settlements Givat Hamatos and the Lower Aqueduct was given towards the end of 2023. While the occupation plans in the West Bank mostly focus on the depths of the region, Israel has begun developing a series of renewable energy projects in Area C. This is a worrying development that seriously undermines Palestinian development opportunities in Area C while also contributing to the permanence of the Israeli occupation.
Developments That Permanentize the Israeli Occupation
The report notes that another significant development that has perpetuated the Israeli occupation is the establishment of a “settlement administration” within the Ministry of Defense. This new administration, together with the transfer of control of the West Bank from the IDF’s Civil Administration to a new formation led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, strengthens the formal annexation of the occupied Palestinian territories. This is causing serious concern in the international community.
The Impact of Illegal Settlements on Violence
During the reporting period, other factors contributing to the expansion of the occupation include the progress of infrastructure and road projects. Violence by Israelis occupying Palestinian lands in the occupied territories is also a major concern. Particularly after October 7, there has been a marked increase in violence by the occupiers, with 1,539 Palestinians, including 756 children, forcibly displaced from their homes in Area C. This is deepening the humanitarian crisis in the region.
EU Attitude and Warnings
The report concludes by drawing attention to the EU’s calls to end its occupation policies against Israel. It emphasizes that the EU continues to hold a firm stance that settlements are illegal under international law, and also states: “Israel’s decision to move forward with plans for approval and construction of new settlements in 2023 further undermines the possibility of a viable two-state solution.”statements were given.
