Mon Aug 04 20:26:59 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**US House Speaker Johnson Visits West Bank Settlement, Sparks Outrage**
Ariel, West Bank – In a move condemned by Palestinians and raising concerns within the international community, US House Speaker Mike Johnson visited an Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank on Monday. The visit marks Johnson as the highest-ranking US official to ever visit a settlement, which are considered illegal under international law.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry called the visit a “blatant violation of international law” and said it contradicts efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region. The visit comes amid escalating settler violence against Palestinian communities and intensified Israeli military operations in the West Bank.
During his visit to the Ariel settlement, north of Ramallah, Johnson reportedly stated, “Judea and Samaria are the front lines of the state of Israel and must remain an integral part of it,” using a biblical term for the West Bank. He added, “Even if the world thinks otherwise, we stand with you.” These remarks are seen as a direct response to recent moves by some Western nations to recognize a Palestinian state.
The United Nations reiterated its stance that Israeli settlements are illegal under international law. While the US has historically rejected West Bank settlements, the visit signals a potential shift in policy, particularly among Republicans who view support for Israel as a religious duty.
The visit has ignited further debate over the legality and ethical implications of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and their impact on the prospects for a two-state solution.
First Piper 