Tension in Battir: Israeli settlements exacerbate conflict in the West Bank.

The situation in the Palestinian village of Battir, known for its rich agricultural history and its inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage list, has become a new symbol of the growing tension provoked by Jewish settlements in occupied West Bank. The recent approval of a new settlement by Israel has led to the confiscation of privately owned land, leaving many Palestinians, like Ghassan Olyan, feeling stripped of their home and legacy. “They are stealing our lands to build their dreams on our catastrophe,” Olyan laments. Concern over the impact of these settlements, which are considered illegal under international law, has prompted UNESCO to express alarm. However, Battir is not an isolated case. Settler activity has significantly increased since the onset of the war in Gaza, highlighting an acceleration in the expansion of settlements in an already volatile area. Extremists within the Israeli government seem to be taking advantage of the situation to implement their long-term objectives, which include imposing irreversible changes to the geography of the West Bank and obstructing any attempts to establish a Palestinian state. Violence from settlers towards Palestinians has reached alarming levels. The UN has documented a notable increase in settler attacks in recent months, with 1,270 incidents recorded compared to 856 in the entire previous year. This escalation of violence has forced many Palestinian communities to abandon their homes, a situation condemned by human rights organizations such as B’Tselem. A recent letter from Ronen Bar, the head of Israel's internal intelligence, highlights the growing concern regarding acts of “terror” carried out by Jewish extremists in the West Bank. His warning underscores the harm this violence is inflicting not only on the Palestinian population but also on the stability of Israel itself. Bar mentions that these acts are fueling an atmosphere of hatred that could lead to an even more destructive cycle of violence. As the situation intensifies, Israeli public opinion has become polarized. According to a Pew Research Center survey, 40% of Israelis now believe that settlements increase the country's security, a notable rise from previous years. This perception, driven by fear and anger following the attacks of October 7, is fueling widespread support for the expansion of settlements, further complicating the prospects for peace dialogue. However, this growth of settlements and support for settler violence is not merely an isolated phenomenon. The far-right government in Israel, led by figures such as Bezalel Smotrich, has promoted policies that facilitate the expansion of settlements, resulting in increased construction of infrastructure and new settlements on Palestinian land. Smotrich, who has declared that Jews have a divine right to these lands, plays a crucial role in shaping these policies. The international community has repeatedly criticized the settlements, considering them an obstacle to peace. Nevertheless, Israel has rejected international recommendations, claiming that its presence in these lands is legitimate. This stance has led to a situation where settlers are attempting to make their presence irreversible, establishing new communities and claiming lands that previously belonged to Palestinians. In this context, the possibility of a two-state solution feels increasingly remote. Religious nationalist leaders, who advocate for the colonization of Gaza once the war ends, are well-positioned within the government, increasing uncertainty about the future of the conflict. The Israeli far-right, far from seeking a ceasefire, seems to be using the current conflict as an opportunity to consolidate its power and expand its influence. The climate of war and violence in Gaza has provided a context that many of these extremists consider favorable for advancing their objectives. This cycle of violence and occupation is creating fertile ground for mutual hatred, further complicating any attempts at reconciliation and peace in the region. The history of Battir, a community that has thrived for centuries, serves as a reminder of what is at stake in this conflict and the urgent need for a sustainable solution that respects the rights of both peoples.