Shilo, West Bank: Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank are renewing their push for sovereignty over the territory, emboldened by Donald Trump’s return to political prominence. The West Bank, seen by Palestinians as the core of their envisioned state, has undergone significant settlement expansion under Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right government, sparking international criticism and U.S. sanctions.
Settler Activity on the Rise
Israeli settlements have flourished since Netanyahu returned to power with a nationalist coalition two years ago. The developments include new infrastructure projects and increased settler violence, which has drawn global condemnation. Recently, settlers raised Israeli flags over contested areas in the West Bank’s Jordan Valley, alarming Palestinians who fear escalating control over their land.
Yisrael Medad, a veteran settler and activist, expressed optimism about Trump’s potential support, stating, “We have high hopes. We’re even buoyant to a certain extent.” Medad resides in Shilo, a settlement central to the West Bank dispute, and has long advocated for Israel to absorb the territory.
Trump’s Influence
Trump’s past actions, including relocating the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem and dismissing the illegality of Israeli settlements, have fueled settler aspirations. His recent nominations of pro-Israel officials, such as Mike Huckabee, have bolstered their expectations. Huckabee, a staunch supporter of Israeli policies, has avoided labeling the West Bank as occupied territory.
In recent weeks, settler leaders and Israeli officials have intensified public calls for “restoring sovereignty” over the West Bank. While Netanyahu’s administration has not made any official announcements, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich recently stated his hope that Israeli sovereignty could be formalized as early as next year with U.S. backing.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the enthusiasm among settlers, annexing the West Bank could jeopardize broader U.S. strategic goals, including expanding the Abraham Accords to normalize relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Dennis Ross, a former U.S. Middle East negotiator, noted, “There’s no way the Saudis will think seriously about joining if Israel formally absorbs the West Bank.”
Annexation would also likely extinguish prospects for a two-state solution and exacerbate ongoing regional conflicts, including the war in Gaza and tensions with Lebanon.
Rising Settler Expansion
Settlement activity in the West Bank reached unprecedented levels in 2023, with the Netanyahu government declaring nearly 6,000 acres as Israeli state land—marking the largest annual expansion on record. Peace Now, an Israeli activist group, reported a sharp rise in unauthorized outposts, many of which have received retroactive government support.
Bashar al-Qaryouti, a Palestinian activist, highlighted the impact on local communities, stating, “Areas across the center of the West Bank are under the control of settlers now.”
International Backlash
While settlement expansion has proceeded with minimal restraint, it has fueled widespread condemnation. The Biden administration and European governments have issued sanctions against settlers involved in violence, underscoring the tensions between international law and Israeli actions.
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Strategic Shift
Israeli officials argue that the presence of Jewish settlements strengthens Israel’s security. Smotrich’s expanded powers over the West Bank have facilitated settlement growth, bypassing military oversight in favor of civilian administration. “We’re changing a lot of things on the ground to make it a fact that Israel is in Judea and Samaria as well,” said Ohad Tal, a prominent figure in the settlement movement.
A Tense Future
As settlers prepare for Trump’s potential return to power, the region faces increasing volatility. The West Bank remains a flashpoint, emblematic of the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict and a central issue for future Middle East peace efforts.
