In a significant shift from the previous administration's stance, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Saturday declared new Israeli settlements in the West Bank "illegal" and "incompatible with international law."
This strong denunciation, delivered during a joint press conference with Argentine Foreign Minister Diana Mondino, marks a renewed commitment to the two-state solution and potentially signals a more challenging chapter in US-Israel relations.'
Expressing "disappointment" with Israel's settlement plans, Blinken emphasised the long-standing US position, upheld by both Republican and Democratic administrations, that these settlements "hamper efforts to achieve lasting peace."
"We've seen the stories, and I must say we're dissatisfied with the announcement. “It has long been US policy under both Republican and Democratic administrations that new settlements are counterproductive to achieving long-term peace," Blinken said
"They are also incompatible with international law. Our administration is firmly opposed to settlement expansion," he added.
This statement comes on the heels of far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's announcement of constructing over 3,000 new settlement homes, further escalating tensions.
It also signifies a clear departure from the Trump administration's 2019 policy shift, which declared settlements not inherently violating international law.
White House spokesperson John Kirby reiterated Blinken's sentiments, restating US disapproval of the settlements and their incompatibility with international law.
"We are just confirming our core judgment that these settlements violate international law,” said Kirby.
He emphasised the administration's commitment to the two-state solution, stressing that "Gaza's territory should not be diminished" and advocating for proposals that "adhere to these values."
Blinken further spotlighted ongoing international efforts for a post-conflict Gaza, highlighting the importance of collaboration with regional partners.
"Israel should not re-occupy Gaza. Gaza's territory should not be diminished. So we want to ensure that any proposal that emerges adheres to those values. There are additional concepts, but these three are the most crucial," Blinken stated.
"At the same time, numerous nations in the area are collaborating on a plan for post-conflict Gaza. I believe this is critical, and I've spent time with some of our Arab colleagues,” he added.
This comes amidst rising US-Israeli tensions fueled by the Gaza conflict and the International Court of Justice's ongoing hearings on the legitimacy of Israel's occupation.
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