The new Israeli government pushes ahead with expansionist projects in the West Bank not only provoking future unrest among Palestinians but also a stress test within the coalition.
On July 15, the Defense Forces advanced plans to build 3412 new apartments in the West Bank along strategic E1 highway which links East Jerusalem to the rest of the West Bank. This allows the project to advance to Israel’s Higher Planning Committee which could then endorse the project and then proceed with construction tender. Then-prime minister Netanyahu supports the project greatly but frozen somehow later on, it is vital to see even if there is new Israeli prime minister the expansionist project started. Thus, emphasizes the intension of great strategy regardless who is in power in Israel.
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It is likely that Israeli Prime Minister will persuade building up new E1 settlements as well as others in West Bank despite criticism from left wing parties in the coalition and international community. However, the polls indicate that there is a risk of not winning a new election if lef-wing parties opt to leave the coalition. Even, there is risk of then-Prime Minister Netanyahu coming back. Prime Minister Bennett is long-time advocate of settlement and even annexation in the West Bank. Therefore, left-wing parties knew what they signed for and leaving the coalition should not be expected from them. However, it will test how strong the ties are.
However, it is certain that new settlements will anger Palestinians and would provoke unrest in the future. At that time, it will be harder for 4 Arab origin coalition members to continue supporting the coalition once clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinians start.
Despite Unites States recognize the view that Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal, Washington opts to act neutral in this matter. However, more settlements including future clashes might pressure Washington to voice its concerns loudly.
The expansionist strategy is not a vision of a political party in Israel but a grand strategy of the Israel State. As the population is expected to lean on right-wing parties in coming years and the population of Haredi Jews increase among the population, the new settlements will only get pace in future.
There is no consensus among the Muslim countries. UAE mutes its voice against such settlements since it establishes diplomatic ties with Israel. Saudi Arabia is very much silent on this matter, too. Israel knows that unless there is a consensus among Muslim countries, no strong resistance can be shown by Palestinians. In this regard, there are only 3 countries which can unite the Muslim community; Egypt, Turkey and Iran. All have economic and politic turmoil at home. However, Turkey has the biggest chance to unite Muslim countries reactions despite all odds.
