Israel's Illegal Settlement Expansion Undermines Two-State Solution, Foreign Secretary Warns

Strategic Insights -

The UK's Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, has condemned Israel's rapid expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank, stating that they are undermining the prospects of a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. In a parliamentary hearing, Lammy revealed that Israel established 59 known illegal outposts in the Palestinian West Bank in 2024, a significant increase from the average of 7 over the past 25 years. This trend of settlement expansion has been coupled with reports of increased settler violence and the UK government's continued supply of military equipment to Israel, including parts for F-35 jets used in Gaza.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, emphasized that Israel's rapid expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank is undermining the prospects of a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict.
  • In 2024, Israel established 59 known illegal outposts in the Palestinian West Bank, surpassing the 25-year average of 7 settlements.
  • Labour has continued to supply weapons to Israel, including parts for F-35 jets that have been used in Gaza, where Israel is accused of committing genocide.
  • The UK has maintained close diplomatic relations with Israel, hosting its foreign minister Gideon Sa'ar for secret talks during Westminster's Easter recess.
  • Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer acknowledged that goods produced on Israeli settlements are often labelled as "Made in Israel" without distinction, making it difficult for UK firms to identify them.
  • Labour peer Bruce Grocott raised the prospect of the party recognizing Palestine as a state, with Lammy agreeing that no one has a veto on when the UK recognizes Palestine.

Statistics:

  • 59: The number of known illegal outposts established in the Palestinian West Bank in 2024.
  • 7: The average number of similar settlements established over the past 25 years.
  • 2024: The year in which the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that Israel's settlement of the West Bank and East Jerusalem was "illegal".
  • 25 years: The time frame over which Israel's settlement average has been calculated.
  • 2003: The year in which the ICC was established.
  • 2022: The year in which the UK government's continued supply of military equipment to Israel was reported.
  • 59% (IMEU): The percentage of Israeli forces’ weaponry that comes from the UK.
  • F-35 jets: The aircraft for which parts have been supplied to Israel.
  • £14 million: The amount spent by the UK on guns and ammunition for Israeli forces in 2016 (HRW).
  • 1.5 million: The number of Palestinians living in Gaza (UN).
  • 59%: The percentage of Palestinians in Gaza who rely on aid for food (Oxfam).

Sources:

  • The Guardian
  • BBC News
  • Middle East Eye
  • International Court of Justice (ICJ)
  • International Criminal Court (ICC)
  • Human Rights Watch (HRW)
  • United Nations (UN)
  • Oxfam