Netanyahu has issued an order for the removal of unauthorized settler outposts in the West Bank. As pressure from the US intensifies

Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the dismantling of unauthorized West Bank settler outposts amid increasing pressure from the US regarding settler violence against Palestinians.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed the removal of unauthorized settler outposts in the occupied West Bank, according to two individuals familiar with the situation, as pressure from the United States increases to address settler violence against Palestinians.

The directive pertains to outposts that the Israeli government did not officially approve, according to the sources. Such locations generally feature prefabricated caravans accommodating small groups of settlers.

Israeli authorities have periodically demolished unauthorized structures while formally recognizing others, enabling them to access government funding and services.

It was unclear when the dismantling operation would commence.

On Sunday, Israel’s Supreme Court determined that defense authorities are required to ensure the safe return of three Palestinian families to their residences in the West Bank village of Jalud, following their expulsion by settlers.

The United Nations and the majority of governments view Israeli settlements in the West Bank as illegal according to international law and classify the territory as occupied. Israel refutes that stance, asserting that it considers the territory disputed rather than occupied.

Netanyahu directed the dismantling of the unauthorized outposts following pressure from the United States, Israel’s closest ally, as reported by sources.

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee on Saturday labeled violent settlers as terrorists and urged for strict repercussions against them after a meeting with Palestinian Americans in a West Bank town.

Ynet, an Israeli news website, previously reported that the order encompassed approximately 100 outposts throughout the occupied territory.

The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office and the military, usually responsible for addressing unauthorized outposts in the West Bank, did not respond promptly to requests for comment.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, addressing the Ynet report at a conference in Jerusalem, stated that Netanyahu had issued directives regarding outposts in areas of the West Bank predominantly inhabited by Palestinians.

Smotrich stated that Netanyahu had issued “an instruction to evict places built in Areas A and B,” which pertains to sections of the West Bank that are under different levels of Palestinian administrative control.