Israel Accused of Expanding Jerusalem Borders Since 1967

Israel Accused of Expanding Jerusalem Borders

Jerusalem's borders may be expanded into the occupied West Bank for the first time since 1967, according to recent reports. This move has sparked international criticism and fears of annexation.

Israeli NGOs have raised concerns over a settlement plan that they believe represents the first expansion of Jerusalem's boundaries into the West Bank since the 1967 Six-Day War. The area in question is located on the Jerusalem side of the separation barrier, adjacent to Geva Binyamin (Adam) settlement in the West Bank.

The proposal, which was published early February but only reported by Israeli media on Feb 17, involves the construction of 2,780 housing units in a newly developed neighborhood. This area is separated from Geva Binyamin by a road and lies within the territory of east Jerusalem, which Israel annexed in 1967 but remains unrecognized by the international community.

Palestinians view east Jerusalem as the potential capital of their future state. critics argue that this development could lead to the de facto annexation of parts of the West Bank, a move heavily condemned internationally.

Amihai of Peace Now emphasized that there is no territorial or functional connection between the new neighborhood and Geva Binyamin. He stated that while the area will be part of Jerusalem, it lies within the West Bank and is adjacent to the existing municipal border. This could effectively create 'facts on the ground' leading towards annexation.

Recent measures by the Israeli government, including land registration in the West Bank as state property and tightening control over areas under Palestinian Authority, have drawn widespread international condemnation. These actions are seen as steps toward de facto annexation of Palestinian territory.

Experts warn that with the current right-wing government's push for settlement expansion and land acquisition, Israel is moving closer to formalizing its control over the West Bank, which would severely impact any potential Palestinian statehood.