Britain’s Criticism Of Israeli Settlements Ignores Historic Realities And Israel’s Right To Security

Peloni:  Also see Ted’s insightful article, The settlements are neither, “illegitimate’ nor “illegal”

Pro-Israel Advocates Reject UK’s Condemnation of New Jewish Communities in Judea and Samaria as Misguided and Unjust

By: TheJ.ca Staff | May 29, 2025

Israel’s largest West Bank settlement expansion in decades affirms Jewish historical ties and security needs, despite British government’s harsh denunciation. (Photo: TrickyH/Wikipedia.)

Britain’s Criticism of Israeli Settlements Ignores Historic Realities and Israel’s Right to Security

The British government’s recent condemnation of Israel’s decision to approve 22 new Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria has drawn sharp rebuke from pro-Israel advocates who call the UK’s stance “wrong and immoral.” The British Minister for the Middle East, Hamish Falconer, labeled the expansion a “deliberate obstacle to Palestinian statehood” and claimed the settlements “do not protect Israel.” However, critics argue that these statements overlook Israel’s decades-long restraint and the ongoing threats it faces.

Historic Restraint Met With Violence and Incitement

For over 30 years, Israel refrained from expanding settlements in these territories, hoping such restraint would encourage the Palestinian Authority and its leadership, including Mahmoud Abbas, to pursue peace. Instead, Israel was met with repeated violence, terror attacks, and incitement. Moshe Phillips, Chairman of Americans For A Safe Israel (AFSI), emphasized that “there is not a single word in the Oslo Accords prohibiting Israel from creating new communities in the Israeli-controlled portions of Judea and Samaria.” He added that the Palestinian Authority is bound by these agreements and has failed to uphold its commitments.

Israeli Leadership and Public Support

Israeli President Isaac Herzog recently acknowledged a shift in perspective following the October 7 Hamas attacks, stating that while he had supported a two-state solution in the past, the realities on the ground have changed dramatically. Polls indicate that over two-thirds of Israelis back extending Israeli sovereignty over these territories, reflecting a broad consensus on the need to secure Israel’s future.

Defense Minister Israel Katz described the settlement expansion as a “strategic move that prevents the establishment of a Palestinian state that would endanger Israel.” The move includes legalizing previously unauthorized outposts and establishing new communities, reinforcing Israel’s historical and security claims.

British Government’s Position Draws Criticism

The UK’s condemnation, echoed by other European nations, frames the settlements as illegal under international law and an obstacle to peace. This position, however, is disputed by Israel and many of its supporters, who point out that the settlements are built on land historically and legally tied to the Jewish people.

AFSI’s Phillips called it “immoral for British officials to unilaterally declare where Jews can or cannot build homes for their families in Judea.” He stressed that Israel’s actions are a legitimate response to persistent terrorism and a refusal by the Palestinian leadership to engage in genuine peace negotiations.

Hamas and Palestinian Reactions

Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri condemned the Israeli decision as “part of the war led by Netanyahu against the Palestinian people,” calling on international actors to intervene. The Palestinian Authority also denounced the move as a “dangerous escalation,” accusing Israel of perpetuating instability.

The Broader Context of Conflict and Security

The settlement expansion comes amid ongoing violence in the West Bank and Gaza, with increased military operations against militants and rising attacks on civilians. Israeli officials argue that strengthening control over Judea and Samaria is essential for national security and a bulwark against terrorism.

While the British government and some international actors continue to criticize Israel’s settlement policy, pro-Israel advocates maintain that Israel’s right to build and live in its historic heartland is undeniable. The expansion of Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria is viewed not as an obstacle to peace, but as a necessary measure to safeguard Israel’s future and respond to decades of aggression and failed negotiations.

About AFSI:
Established in 1970, Americans For A Safe Israel (AFSI) is one of the oldest and most influential pro-Israel organizations in the United States. Its advocacy and educational campaigns serve as a potent counterweight to the rising tide of anti-Israel propaganda. AFSI is not affiliated with any political party in the United States or Israel.