News

AMP condemns settlement plans; Calls on Obama administration to do more

Statements

Israel has announced plans for the construction of a new settlement deep in the heart of the West Bank this week, just days after the United States pledged in a Memorandum of Understanding to give Israel nearly $40 billion over 10 years. The American Muslim for Palestine (AMP) strongly condemns this new settlement. AMP affirms the condemnations issued from the Department of State and White House and calls upon President Barack Obama and his administration to take further action in light of Israel’s flagrant violation of international law and U.S. policy.

“We strongly condemn the Israeli government's recent decision to advance a plan that would create a significant new settlement deep in the West Bank,” State Department Deputy Spokesman Mark Toner said in a press statement. ”... this approval contradicts previous public statements by the Government of Israel that it had no intention of creating new settlements. And this settlement's location deep in the West Bank, far closer to Jordan than Israel, would link a string of outposts that effectively divide the West Bank and make the possibility of a viable Palestinian state more remote.”

Adding to the State Department’s harsh condemnation, the White House reminded reporters that U.S. policy has always opposed settlement construction and considers this move by Israel as a betrayal by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “Every U.S. administration since 1967 -- Democratic and Republican alike -- has opposed Israeli settlement activity in the Occupied Territories,” press secretary Josh Earnest said during a daily press briefing. …we did receive public assurances from the Israeli government that contradict this announcement.  And that’s -- I guess when we’re talking about how good friends treat one another, that that’s a source of serious concern, as well.”

AMP insists that the United States links practical steps to hold Israel accountable for its actions, such as withholding aid. Simple statements expressing disappointment are not enough. The United States must make clear to the Israeli government there will be consequences if it continues to violate international law and U.S. policy, including building settlements on Palestinian land.