European Union rejects Israel’s decision to legalize 9 West Bank outposts

The decision by Israel to turn nine unauthorized outposts in the occupied West Bank into new settlements is rejected by the European Union.

According to a press release from Josep Borrell’s office, the EU did not agree with the Israeli government’s decision. The statement reaffirmed that the EU will not recognize any changes made outside of the 1967 borders and claimed that the Jewish settlements are against international law. It also urged Israeli authorities to reverse their most recent legalization decision as soon as possible and to stop these settlements from being built. A proposal to repeal 2005-enacted legislation governing Israel’s withdrawal from the northern West Bank was approved by a ministerial committee .

The plan would allow the construction of four settlements that were dismantled in 2005 by former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.
Estimates indicate that around 650,000 settlers are living in 164 settlements and 116 outposts in the occupied West Bank.
Under international law, all Jewish settlements in the occupied territories are considered illegal.