US Recognition Of ‘Illegal’ Israeli Settlements In West Bank ‘Obliterates Principles Of International Law’ – B’Tselem Human Rights Group

Riyaz Patel

The Trump administration’s announcement that Israel’s settlements in the occupied West Bank are not “inconsistent with international law” has been met with widespread condemnation and rejection, with one Palestinian leader calling it “a threat to global stability, security, and peace.”

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Monday the Trump administration believes “that what we’ve done today has recognised the reality on the ground,” rolling back decades of policy in Washington.

“The establishment of Israeli civilian settlements is not, per se, inconsistent with international law,” Pompeo told reporters.

The EU responded emphatically to Pompeo’s announcement: “All settlement activity is illegal under international law, and calls on Israel to end all settlement activity, in line with its obligations as an occupying power.”