Standing beneath the imposing stone walls of one of the most ancient and revered sites in the West Bank, Yishai Fleischer was blunt in his assessment of its significance in modern times. “It’s something that should be bringing people together, but oftentimes places like this actually make people jealous and tear them apart,” he said.
Mr. Fleischer met with reporters at the Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron, a city south of Jerusalem. The site, believed to be the burial place of the prophet Abraham, holds profound significance for Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. Control of the building has shifted between conquering forces over centuries, and today it is divided into a synagogue and a mosque.
Fleischer’s description of the place underscores the complex situation in the West Bank, where Israeli settlers demand control over areas inhabited by millions of Palestinians. “It’s a Jewish building on top of Jewish tombs, and the Jewish people have been living at this town and praying here at this tomb for the last 3,500 years,” he argued.
Settler Movement and Political Dynamics
The belief that all land west of the Jordan River is Jewish land has fueled the settler movement and some factions within Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, often described as the most right-wing government in Israel’s history. This has led to a push for legislation to formally annex the West Bank.
Despite his support for Israel on various issues, former U.S. President Donald Trump opposed this move, stating in September, “I will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank.” However, many argue that annexation is already a reality due to Israel’s control over the West Bank and its support for Jewish settlers.
Earlier this week, Israel approved 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, including the re-establishment of two settlements dismantled two decades ago. Settlements are considered illegal under international law, but many in the Israeli government view the territory as their land.
“The Jewish people are resettling this land, this is the heartland of our story, this is the DNA of our people-hood,” Mr. Fleischer said.
Palestinian Perspective and International Reactions
On a hill overlooking the Tomb, anti-settlement activist Issa Amro’s house is encased in tall fencing, which he argued was necessary to protect him from settler attacks. “My neighbourhood is caged, my city is caged, and my country is caged,” he lamented.
When journalists attempted to visit Mr. Amro’s house, they were blocked by an Israeli soldier, highlighting the restrictions faced by Palestinians. Amro described Israel’s control of the territory as “apartheid” and noted the situation had worsened since October 7, 2023.
“[Israeli soldiers] got all the support to do whatever they can, because they can do it without any accountability,” Amro said.
He accused Israeli authorities of ignoring settler and soldier misconduct, labeling it “state terror.” Meanwhile, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, both sanctioned by countries including Australia, have been leading the charge for annexation.
Fleischer criticized Australia’s sanctions, calling them “misunderstanding and antisemitism.” He argued that external interference erodes Israeli sovereignty.
Annexation and its Implications
The proposal to approve 19 new settlements was introduced by Smotrich and Ben-Gvir. Smotrich celebrated the move as “correct and moral Zionism,” boasting about the establishment of 69 new settlements in three years.
Israeli media reports suggest Smotrich is pushing for significant budget allocations for settlements. In October, the Israeli parliament gave preliminary approval to a bill that would effectively annex the West Bank, coinciding with U.S. Vice-President JD Vance’s visit to Israel.
“The West Bank is not going to be annexed by Israel,” Vance stated, emphasizing the Trump administration’s stance.
Netanyahu’s Likud party did not support the legislation, although the prime minister later mentioned annexation as “a subject of discussion” during a press conference with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Issa Amro expressed skepticism about the impact of Trump’s intervention, pointing out the unwavering support the Israeli government receives from Western countries, particularly the U.S.
Escalating Tensions and Future Prospects
Across the West Bank, approximately half a million Jewish settlers live in about 140 settlements and up to 300 outposts. Including East Jerusalem, the number rises to around 700,000. While settlements are deemed unlawful under international law, they are supported by Israeli legislation.
Violence by settlers towards Palestinians has surged, with the United Nations recording 264 attacks in October, the highest since records began in 2006. Fleischer, armed during his interview, downplayed the violence, blaming Palestinians for the conflict.
“If there’s illegal action being done, they’ll be taken care of,” he said, dismissing Australia’s stance against settlements as opposing “Jewish survival.”
Human rights lawyer Michael Sfard noted the unprecedented intensity of Israeli actions in the West Bank, attributing it to the radical nature of the current government.
“We have the most radical government Israel has ever had, with the settler movement a very powerful element of this government,” Sfard stated.
The situation in the West Bank remains tense, with international scrutiny intensifying as Israel continues to expand its settlements, challenging both regional stability and diplomatic relations.
