TEL AVIV: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the removal of unauthorized settler outposts in the occupied West Bank, two people familiar with the matter told Reuters.
The decision comes amid growing pressure from the United States over attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians.
The sources said Netanyahu ordered the outposts removed in response to US pressure. However, the Israeli government has not publicly announced a timeline for the operation.
Order could affect around 100 outposts
Israeli law considers settler outposts illegal because they lack the required government permits.
However, many outposts receive varying levels of government support and funding. Some have also gained formal recognition at a later stage.
Israeli authorities have demolished such outposts in the past. Yet many were rebuilt soon after removal. Previous government efforts to stop the expansion have also faced weak enforcement.
Ynet reported that the latest order could target around 100 outposts across the West Bank.
Smotrich confirms part of Netanyahu’s order
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich confirmed that Netanyahu had instructed authorities to remove outposts built in Areas A and B of the West Bank.
Under the Oslo framework, Area A falls under Palestinian Authority control, while Area B has Palestinian civil control and Israeli security responsibilities.
Smotrich made the comments at a conference in Jerusalem. However, reports said efforts to remove outposts in Area B were already part of an earlier government decision.
The latest order therefore appears to focus on enforcement in areas where unauthorized outposts have been established.
US ambassador condemns settler violence
The decision follows strong criticism from US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee.
Huckabee recently visited Turmus Ayya in the West Bank and met Palestinian Americans, including relatives of US citizens killed by Israeli settlers.
He described violent settlers as terrorists and called for serious consequences against those involved in attacks. He also said action against settler violence serves Israel’s own interests.
Settler violence remains a major concern
The West Bank has witnessed frequent incidents of settler violence and harassment in recent months.
Palestinians and rights groups have criticized the limited number of arrests and prosecutions following such incidents. The Israeli government has condemned settler violence, although critics say enforcement remains inadequate.
The latest developments come amid wider international concern over Israeli settlement activity in the West Bank. The United Kingdom has also said it plans further measures in response to settlement expansion, warning that some projects could undermine the prospects for a future Palestinian state.
Netanyahu’s decision could therefore mark a notable step if Israeli authorities carry out the order. However, the timing and scale of the planned removals remain unclear.
