US to offer passport issuance services in 'Israeli' settlements in West Bank
Note: AI technology was used to generate this article’s audio.
- US to provide passport services in West Bank settlements, starting with Efrat on February 27.
- Move signals a more open US stance toward settlements, raising international law concerns.
The US Embassy in 'Israel' announced that it will begin providing routine consular services for American citizens at multiple locations, including settlements in the West Bank. Services will include passport issuance.
Read more: Over 20 countries, intl. bodies condemn “Israeli de facto annexation” of West Bank
According to an embassy statement, consular staff will visit the settlement of Efrat on Friday, February 27, with follow-up visits planned over the next two months to other sites. Each visit will last one day, and Americans seeking services are advised to monitor announcements for appointment procedures.
'Israel' Welcomes Decision
The 'Israel' Ministry of Foreign Affairs hailed the move, calling it "historic" for expanding American consular services in the West Bank. In a tweet on X, the ministry said, "This decision brings the relationship between 'Israel' and the US closer and stronger than ever."
Context of US Shift
The announcement comes days after controversial remarks by US Ambassador to 'Israel', Mike Huckabee, in which he suggested that 'Israel' could claim all of the Middle East based on religious interpretations, sparking widespread Arab and international criticism.
Read more: The dunam war: 'Israel’s' final push to annex the West Bank by 2026
Analysts note that expanding US consular services to settlements marks a departure from previous administrations, which had openly opposed settlement activity and labeled it illegal under international law.
Legal and International Implications
West Bank settlements are considered illegal under international law, including UN Security Council Resolution 2334 of 2016, which states that settlement construction in occupied Palestinian territories "has no legal validity" and constitutes a "flagrant violation" of international law.
The resolution calls for a halt to all settlement activities. Most of the international community regards the West Bank as occupied and views settlements as a major obstacle to a two-state solution.
