Israeli colonization: Netanyahu benefits to the end of the Trump presidency

Donald Trump and Benyamin Netanyahu, January 28, 2020. AFP / Archivos

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On the eve of the inauguration of new US President Joe Biden, Benyamin Netanyahu wanted to legalize settlements in the Palestinian territories, reports the Israeli press.

His government has also put out tenders for the construction of more than 2,500 housing units in settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

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From our correspondent in Jerusalem

,

Sami Boukhelifa

Benyamin Netanayhu knows perfectly well the position of the future American president: Joe Biden is "opposed to colonization".

So, no way to waste a second.

Until the end, the Israeli Prime Minister wanted to take advantage of the presidency of his great friend and ally Donald Trump.

50% increase in colonization

During his tenure, the Israeli authorities had carte blanche.

More than 450,000 settlers now live in the occupied West Bank.

Their number has increased by 50% over the past ten years with a real boom during the presidency of Donald Trump.

According to the Israeli

Peace Now movement

, which reveals these new tenders, Benjamin Netanyahu is trying "

to expand the settlements as much as possible […] before the change of administration in Washington

".

780 housing units announced last week

Peace Now interprets these new announcements "

as a signal

" sent by Israel to the future American president: "

there is no intention to resolve the conflict with the Palestinians

".

Already last week Benyamin Netanyahu announced the construction of 780 housing units in settlements in the occupied West Bank.

See also: 2020, a record year for colonization in the West Bank

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  • Israel

  • Palestinian territories

  • Donald trump

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