Pondering Israeli Settlements in the West Bank

Visiting several Israeli settlements (built over the border from Israel in Palestinian West Bank territory, and therefore controversial), I can see the appeal of these neighborhoods — especially for young families. But I’ve learned that these settlements embitter the Palestinians as much as violent resistance embitters Israelis. And the more settlements are built, the more the West Bank becomes fragmented, and the more difficult a mutually agreeable two-state solution — or any solution — may become. While I hope it’s not true, the aggressive establishment of these settlements today could haunt Israel’s prospects for a happy resolution of the tensions in the Middle East tomorrow.

If you can’t see the video below, watch it on YouTube.

Comments

5 Replies to “Pondering Israeli Settlements in the West Bank”

  1. Rick’s comments allude to the so-called two state solution proposed by people like former President Jimmy Carter as well as President Obama. Combative Israeli politicians including the current prime minister, apparently catering to the beliefs of extremists, continue to promote settlements which are anathema to Palestinians. But let’s not forget Hamas and Hezbollah which continue to foment violence against the Israeli’s. It’s a Gordian knot and neither side or the U.S. has been unable to unravel it.

  2. Mr. Steves, your very brief comments are a bit upsetting to me. The only thing you seems to find important to speak about is the singular fact that the neighborhood you’re in is a part of what is called “the settlements”, after which you go on to comment about how those are making a two-state solution more and more unviable. I’m not sure what you’re purpose in doing this is, but it should be noted that the settlements are NOT the number one thing standing in the way of reaching a peaceful two-state solution. This is a common misconception that really makes me so upset! I’m not a fan of expanding the settlements, but it is extremely important to realize that this is not the reason there is not peace! The Palestinian Authority and extreme leftists like to use the issue of the settlements as a sort of red herring or excuse to distract from some of the real problems. If you look into the history of the situation, a 2 state solution has been presented multiple times and not accepted by the Palestinians each time. Also, the West Bank became occupied territory after the 1967 war—a war of defense in which the neighboring Arab states went to war with Israel, resulting in major land gains for Israel and the geographical situation we have today.

    I could go on and on, but it is most important to note that the situation is extremely complicated. I think that it is of upmost importance for you to make this clear to your readers.

  3. The settlements may not be the reason there is no settlement, but they are certainly an entirely unnecessary provocation. And a blatant attempt to take land intended for a Palestinian state. Actually, attempt is probably too soft a word. It’s a land grab.

  4. Having stayed and worked in the Gaza Strip as mental health providers in the 90’s we traveled throughout Israel many times and personally witnessed Palestinian home demolitions. More recently the hotel we and many journalists stayed in Abu Dis in East Jerusalem was confiscated and taken over by the Israeli Army leaving the Palestinian owner and his Norweigian wife to petition the Israeli government for the return of property that had been in his family for over 50 years.

    I’d have to agree with Kathy’s statement above……that it is these provocations that have contributed greatly to prolonging any kind of peaceful solution to a most complex and long-term problem.

  5. Rick,
    “Giving up settlements could bring a happy resolution to Middle East tensions tomorrow?” How about giving up rocket attacks and suicide bombings? That would bring an immediate end to the killing. How about Palistinians accepting any two-state solution that they always refuse? But alas it is a very complicated problem isn’t it for Muslims to find a place to live in an Islamic world that extends over about a third of the Earth. Who does Israel think they are by demanding to live on a piece of land the size of Vermont. It’s time for them to leave after thousands of years of land grabbing settlement tricks against humanity. In a couple of weeks Rick you have figured out what the problem is – fundamentalists of all religions are plotting against the Palistinians. Thank you Rick and happy traveling.

Comments are closed.