Nick Westcott: Israel's Disregard for International Rules and US Backing

International Condemnation of Israeli Settlements

• 🇫🇷 France and Germany have condemned Israel's plan to build new homes in the West Bank, specifically in the E1 area.
• 💡 These nations maintain that the only viable solution is a two-state solution, and the E1 settlement would bisect Palestinian areas, rendering a future state non-viable.
• 🗣️ The Israeli finance minister explicitly stated the intention to destroy any prospect of a two-state solution.

UK's Balancing Act and US Influence

• 🇬🇧 The UK government is currently balancing its relationship with European partners and the United States.
• 🇺🇸 The US has consistently stood four square behind Israel, particularly during the Gaza crisis and regarding West Bank actions.
• ⚖️ This US backing emboldens Israel to ignore international opinion, as it feels protected from broader global condemnation.

Israel's International Rule-Breaking

• 🌍 Israel has continually flouted the international rules-based system, posing a serious threat to the structure of the international community.
• 🎯 The Netanyahu government appears to disregard international opinion, except for that of the United States.

Impact of US Policy and Internal Israeli Divisions

• 🇺🇸 The Trump administration's clear support for the Israeli government may be perceived as a green light for such settlement plans.
• 🗳️ However, the Netanyahu government's policy is also driven by the need to maintain power through an alliance with right-wing factions.
• 📉 This policy is increasingly dividing Israeli society, risking national solidarity.
• 🇵🇸 There are protests and a general strike occurring within Israel due to the government's actions concerning Gaza and the West Bank settlements.
• ⚠️ The government's position is putting national unity at risk, potentially allowing Hamas to achieve a division within Israel that has not been seen before.