Explainer: Israel’s Settlement Enterprise (West Bank & East Jerusalem)
Israeli settlements are segregated housing units built for Jewish Israelis on Palestinian land in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, seized in the 1967 war. They are illegal under international law and have been condemned by the UN and human rights organizations. The U.S. has officially rejected their legality (except under Trump) but continues to fund Israel, indirectly supporting the settlements. These settlements severely harm Palestinians by seizing land and water, isolating communities, and restricting movement through over 500 checkpoints and segregated roads. Armed settlers, often violent, attack Palestinians with military backing, making daily life nearly impossible. As of 2023, over 700,000 settlers live in about 350 settlements, including 145 official ones and nearly 200 unauthorized "outposts," all supported by the Israeli government despite being illegal under both Israeli and international law.
This entry is original published by IMEU.
