Israeli Parties Outline Divergent Plans for West Bank Settlements

With less than a month until elections, Israeli political parties have presented their varying stances on the future of the West Bank, a long-standing point of contention often overshadowed by other national security issues. The parties were surveyed by Ynet on their positions regarding settlement expansion, Palestinian construction, and the status of illegal outposts.

Yisrael Beiteinu supports strengthening existing settlements and promoting construction in Area E1, based on security and planning considerations. They advocate for dismantling the Palestinian Authority, viewing it as a terror organization, and support applying Israeli sovereignty to Area C. The party also calls for increased enforcement against illegal Palestinian construction and the evacuation of illegal outposts.

Likud did not respond to the survey. Otzma Yehudit, conversely, champions the establishment of new settlements across the West Bank and opposes any evacuations. Their plan involves transitioning from "containment to decision," seeking the defense portfolio to implement full Israeli sovereignty, dismantle the PA, and encourage voluntary emigration from the West Bank and Gaza. They also aim to regulate illegal outposts and counter Palestinian construction through Israeli control.

Religious Zionism-Identity claims to have "annihilated the idea of a Palestinian state" by regulating all young settlements and declaring 104 new ones, alongside 160 agricultural farms. They approved 3,401 housing units in Area E1 to strengthen the link between Jerusalem and Ma'ale Adumim and advocate for full Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank, aiming for a population of one million residents. They also plan to prevent Palestinian takeover of state lands and fully regulate illegal outposts.

Other parties presented a range of views. Yachad supports Jewish settlement where legal and opposes a Palestinian state or land transfers, while also rejecting the evacuation of legal settlements. The Democrats believe in a strategic-security approach, advocating for full operational freedom for the IDF and Shin Bet to counter terror, alongside a political-security strategy. They also call for dismantling Jewish terror and evacuating illegal outposts.

Shas, identifying as founders of the right-wing bloc, supports right-wing initiatives and opposes a Palestinian state, though settlement issues are not their primary campaign focus. United Torah Judaism has internal divisions, with Agudat Yisrael leaning right and Degel HaTorah leaning left, but neither has a flagship plan for the West Bank, prioritizing religious issues. The Joint List calls for the immediate evacuation of all settlements, deeming them violations of international law and war crimes, and opposes any Israeli sovereignty in the West Bank.

Ra'am supports a two-state solution with a Palestinian state alongside Israel and opposes Israeli sovereignty in the West Bank. They also oppose policies hindering Palestinian development in Area C and will examine illegal outposts within the framework of a political settlement. Blue and White supports settlement reinforcement, particularly in specific areas, and proposes infrastructure development for security and movement, aligning with the Trump plan, which they state does not require settlement evacuation. They also emphasize increased enforcement of building laws for all populations.