Tue Feb 24 19:13:52 UTC 2026: ### Headline: U.S. to Provide On-Site Passport Services in West Bank Settlement, a First

The Story:

In a move marking a significant shift in U.S. policy, American consular officials will offer on-site passport services in the Israeli settlement of Efrat in the West Bank on Friday, February 27, 2026. This marks the first time the U.S. has provided such services to settlers in the occupied territory. The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem announced the initiative, stating it is part of an effort to reach all Americans abroad, and plans to offer similar services in Ramallah, Beitar Illit, and cities within Israel, such as Haifa. The announcement has sparked controversy given the international community’s view of Israeli settlements as illegal under international law.

Key Points:

  • The U.S. will provide on-site passport services in the Efrat settlement in the West Bank on February 27, 2026.
  • This is the first time the U.S. has offered consular services within a West Bank settlement.
  • The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem stated the move is part of an effort to reach all Americans abroad.
  • Similar services are planned for Ramallah, Beitar Illit, and cities in Israel.
  • The move comes amid ongoing debate over the legality of Israeli settlements and recent measures by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s cabinet to facilitate settler land acquisition.
  • There are tens of thousands of American-Israeli dual nationals residing in the West Bank.
  • More than 500,000 Israeli settlers live in the West Bank, home to 3 million Palestinians.

Key Takeaways:

  • The U.S. is deepening its engagement with Israeli settlements in the West Bank, signaling a potential shift in policy despite international concerns over their legality.
  • The provision of consular services could be interpreted as tacit recognition of the settlements and a normalization of the presence of American citizens within them.
  • The move is likely to further inflame tensions between Israelis and Palestinians, particularly in light of recent measures facilitating settler land acquisition.
  • The timing of this decision, alongside internal Israeli political dynamics, suggests a calculated move by the Netanyahu government to solidify its control over the West Bank.

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