Indonesia slams Israel's move to legalize Jewish settlements in West Bank

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) - Indonesia on Monday slammed Israel's move to legalize Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank of Palestine.

“Strongly” condemning the Israeli decision, Jakarta said: “Israel's settlement and continuous occupation in Palestine’s territory are violations of international law and relevant UN resolutions.”

“Together with the international community, Indonesia will continue to demand Israeli accountability and to push for the implementation of the two-state solution,” said the Indonesian Foreign Ministry in a statement on X.

The Israeli Cabinet last week approved steps proposed by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich aimed at "legalizing" settlement outposts in the West Bank and imposing sanctions on the Palestinian Authority.

Israel's official broadcasting authority KAN reported on Friday that the Security Cabinet approved Smotrich's plan to counter the Palestinian statehood recognition and actions against Israel in international courts.

The plan includes measures against the Palestinian Authority, the legalization of five settlement outposts in the West Bank, and the issuance of tenders for thousands of new housing units in settlements.

Additionally, the plan involves revoking permits and benefits for Palestinian officials, restricting their movement, and preventing senior officials from leaving the country.

It also includes measures such as removing executive powers from the Palestinian Authority in the southern West Bank, enforcing laws against unauthorized construction, and protecting heritage sites and environmental areas.

The areas designated as “Area B” in the West Bank fall under Palestinian civil control and Israeli security control.