Mon Jan 12 12:13:08 UTC 2026: ### Israel Advances Settlement Plans, Threatening Palestinian Statehood
The Story:
Israel is poised to advance two significant settlement plans in occupied East Jerusalem, sparking concerns that these actions will effectively sever the city from the West Bank and extinguish hopes for a contiguous Palestinian state. The plans involve the construction of 9,000 settlement units on the site of the former Qalandiya airport (Atarot) and a separate project in Sheikh Jarrah that aims to displace 40 Palestinian families. Political analyst Suhail Khalilieh contends that these moves are a direct consequence of the shifting geopolitical landscape, particularly following the meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and United States President Donald Trump, which he perceives as a “green light” for continued settlement expansion.
Key Points:
* Israel plans to approve 9,000 settlement units at the Qalandiya airport (Atarot).
* Another project targets Sheikh Jarrah, aiming to displace 40 Palestinian families.
* Suhail Khalilieh links the timing to the meeting between Benjamin Netanyahu and Donald Trump.
* The Atarot settlement is part of a broader plan to create “Greater Jerusalem,” increasing Israeli-controlled territory by 175 sq km.
* The Sheikh Jarrah project seeks to dismantle geographical continuity between Palestinian neighborhoods.
* Khalilieh warns of “urban renewal” being used to disguise forced displacement.
* He also highlighted the unification of the “Arnona” property tax, as a method to force a silent forced transfer.
Critical Analysis:
The historical context of the news report indicates that this is a continuation of pre-existing plans in January 12, 2026. The timing, as stated by Khalilieh, is also strategic, coinciding with perceived shifts in international support. This suggests a calculated move to exploit favorable geopolitical conditions to solidify Israeli control over East Jerusalem and undermine the viability of a future Palestinian state.
Key Takeaways:
- Israeli settlement expansion in East Jerusalem poses a direct threat to the prospect of a contiguous Palestinian state.
- The timing of these plans appears to be influenced by perceived shifts in international political dynamics.
- “Urban renewal” and “land settlement” are being used as covers for displacement policies.
- The construction of settlement units, especially in strategically important areas, aims to fragment Palestinian communities.
- Legal and diplomatic interventions need to be accelerated before construction commences on the projects in question.
Impact Analysis:
The advancement of these settlement plans has potentially far-reaching consequences. If implemented, they could effectively foreclose the possibility of East Jerusalem serving as the capital of a future Palestinian state, exacerbating tensions and undermining any prospects for a lasting peace agreement. The displacement of Palestinian families and the expansion of Israeli control over the city are likely to fuel further conflict and instability in the region. Moreover, the perceived lack of effective international response could embolden further unilateral actions, eroding the credibility of international law and diplomatic efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
First Piper 