The United States only considers Israeli settlements in the West Bank
occupied are "non-compliant" to international law, announced Monday, November 18, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Washington thus returns to the official position posted since 1978 by the United States on this question.

"After careful consideration of all the arguments in this legal debate, (we conclude that) the establishment of settlements of Israeli civilians in the West Bank is not in itself contrary to international law," Pompeo told reporters in the US Department of Justice. 'State.

An "irresponsible" decision

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu immediately welcomed the decision of Donald Trump's administration, which "corrects a historical mistake," he said.

A spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said the US initiative was "in complete contradiction with international law." Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat denounced an "irresponsible" decision and the Jordanian diplomat said the Washington line change would have "dangerous consequences".

A victory for Netanyahu

This US decision is a victory for Benjamin Netanyahu and could help him in his complicated quest for a new term as head of the Israeli government. It comes as the United States has still not unveiled a settlement plan for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict they have promised for months.

>> Read also: In Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu promises to annex settlements in the West Bank if he is re-elected

Since taking office in January 2017, Donald Trump has already recognized Jerusalem as the capital of the Jewish state and Israel's annexation of the Golan Heights.

The Palestinians, who have broken off their talks with the Americans since the decision on Jerusalem, believe that the plan designed by Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, is doomed to failure because of the president's pro-Israel stance. -United.

With AFP