Washington/Tel Aviv: Senior US officials have expressed sharp disapproval over repeated and assertive statements by Israeli leaders regarding the construction of settlements in Gaza and the West Bank, describing the remarks as provocative and detrimental to regional peace.
According to Hebrew news outlet Ynet, influential sources at the White House criticized statements made by the Israeli government, particularly by Defense Minister Israel Katz and other cabinet members. US officials said such remarks risk undermining potential progress on US President Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan for the Middle East.
White House sources noted that the Israeli leadership’s comments not only exacerbate tensions but also discourage other Arab nations from participating in the peace initiative. All parties must honor their commitments to peace, the officials emphasized.
Last Tuesday, Defense Minister Katz announced Israel’s plans to establish settlements in northern Gaza. Following US objections, he later clarified that the proposal was limited to temporary military residential centers. However, this explanation was short-lived, as Katz reiterated similar statements on Thursday, asserting that Israeli forces would never withdraw from Gaza.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s comments have aligned with these hardline positions, openly supporting the views of extremist elements within his government. Political sources in Tel Aviv reported that Netanyahu intends to seek US approval during a meeting with President Trump in Miami next Monday to recognize the “Yellow Line” between Israel and Gaza as a permanent border. Under this plan, 58 per cent of Gaza’s territory could be formally annexed to Israel.
Netanyahu has reportedly stated that those who attack Israelis will face total consequences, a stance used to justify increased Israeli military presence in Gaza, which has expanded from 53 per cent to 58 per cent since the ceasefire.
At a recent conference organized by right-wing newspaper Makor Rishon, Defense Minister Katz reiterated that Israel would not back down from its plans. He stressed that northern Gaza will see the establishment of settlements, and a large security zone within Gaza will be maintained. Even if Hamas were to be demilitarized, Katz said, the security zone would remain, with additional settlements to be developed systematically in the future.
Meanwhile, Israel’s Foreign Ministry dismissed condemnation from 14 countries regarding new settlement construction in the West Bank, calling it a moral error and an instance of discrimination against Jews.
Analysts warn that these statements and actions by Israeli leadership are not only complicating the Palestinian conflict further but also heightening diplomatic tensions between the United States and Israel.