Tensions in the West Bank are escalating, particularly in the city of Jenin. Adding to the already volatile situation is Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the United States to meet with President Donald Trump. This visit could carry significant implications for the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, especially in light of recent developments in Jenin, which may serve as the catalyst for new occupation efforts to seize more Palestinian land.
اضافة اعلانIt is essential to connect these aspects to understand how Israel’s domestic policies align with American support for settlement expansion. It is well known that Netanyahu and Trump share a strong relationship, with Trump having provided unprecedented backing for Israel on multiple fronts. This includes recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, moving the U.S. embassy there, and retreating from the traditional U.S. stance advocating a two-state solution.
Previously, Trump gave Israel a green light to advance settlement projects in the West Bank, a move warmly welcomed by the Israeli leadership. Now, with Trump back in office and his meeting with Netanyahu underway, strategic issues—including settlement expansion—are being discussed.
Reports suggest that Netanyahu is seeking renewed support from Trump to advance settlement policies, especially given Israel’s current right-wing government, which openly advocates for increased settlement activity in the West Bank. Netanyahu is likely aiming for a new "green light" from the U.S. to expand occupied territories more aggressively, particularly in areas experiencing heightened confrontations, such as Jenin.
What is happening in Jenin reflects Israel’s broader expansionist strategy in the West Bank. The ongoing military operations targeting refugee camps in Jenin are not merely actions against "armed groups" but part of a larger strategy to pave the way for settlement projects in the area. Strong resistance in cities like Jenin could be used as a pretext to intensify military operations and repression while simultaneously expanding nearby Israeli settlements.
The most alarming aspect of this situation is that if these plans are successfully implemented in Jenin, they could extend to other cities in the West Bank, such as Nablus and Hebron. This could contribute to the displacement of large numbers of Palestinians in favor of Israeli settlers. Thus, the current expansion efforts align with the agenda of Israel’s right-wing government, backed by the United States, which may continue to support these policies given the strategic relationship between Netanyahu and Trump.
Looking beyond Netanyahu’s visit to Trump, expectations suggest that Netanyahu will seek to leverage his relationship with the U.S. to push forward the settlement project. American support in this regard is not merely diplomatic; it could extend to facilitating broader international acceptance of settlement policies. Trump previously stated during his first term that settlements were "not an obstacle to peace," signaling a shift in U.S. policy.
Through this visit, Netanyahu could bolster his position among settlement movements in Israel, reinforcing the idea that the time has come for further territorial expansion. He may also use the visit to strengthen coordination with Washington in countering international pressure on Israel regarding settlement activities.
On the ground in the West Bank, these developments could further isolate Palestinian communities economically and socially. More roads could be closed, movement further restricted, and additional blockades imposed on Palestinian cities. At the same time, the Palestinian Authority may find itself in a difficult position—struggling between resisting Israeli occupation and maintaining its standing in the international community.
If these expansionist policies continue, they could ignite a new uprising in the West Bank, potentially turning some cities into "confrontation zones" similar to what has happened in Gaza. This could lead to further violence and increased Palestinian resistance against Israeli occupation.
