Fact Check: Israel illegally builds settlwments

Fact Check: "Israel illegally builds settlements"

What We Know

The claim that Israel illegally builds settlements is supported by a significant body of evidence. According to various sources, including Wikipedia and the BBC, Israel has established numerous settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem since the 1967 Six-Day War. These settlements are widely regarded as illegal under international law, a view supported by the majority of the international community, including the United Nations. For instance, the New York Times states that most countries consider these settlements to be in violation of international law.

In 2023, Israel announced a major expansion of settlements, with reports indicating that 22 new Jewish settlements were approved in the occupied West Bank, marking the largest expansion in decades (BBC). The Israeli government has also been accused of legalizing outposts that were previously built without official authorization, further complicating the situation (Times of Israel).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim that Israel builds settlements illegally is robust and comes from multiple credible sources. The United Nations and various human rights organizations have consistently labeled Israeli settlements as illegal, arguing that they violate the Fourth Geneva Convention, which prohibits an occupying power from transferring its own civilian population into the territory it occupies.

However, Israel disputes this characterization, asserting that the land is disputed rather than occupied and that its settlements are legal under Israeli law. This perspective is often presented by Israeli officials, including Defense Minister Israel Katz, who described the expansion of settlements as a strategic move to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state (BBC).

The Peace Now organization, an Israeli anti-settlement watchdog, has documented the significant increase in settlement construction and the legalization of outposts in recent years, indicating a trend that aligns with the claim of illegal settlement expansion. The organization has reported that 2023 set a record for both settlement construction and the legitimization of previously unauthorized outposts (Times of Israel).

While some sources may exhibit bias—such as those directly affiliated with the Israeli government or pro-settlement groups—the overwhelming consensus among international bodies and independent watchdogs supports the view that these settlements are illegal under international law.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that Israel illegally builds settlements is substantiated by extensive evidence from credible sources, including international law perspectives and reports from human rights organizations. The consistent labeling of these settlements as illegal by the international community, alongside the documented expansion of settlements in recent years, reinforces the validity of this claim.