Settler leaders predicted even faster population growth under Israel’s new ultranationalist government.
The report, by WestBankJewishPopulationStats.com and based on official figures, showed the settler population grew to 502,991 as of Jan. 1, rising more than 2.5% in 12 months and nearly 16% over the last five years.
“I think that in the coming years of this government there will be more building than there has been in the last 20 years of governments,” Gordon said. The settler population report does not include annexed east Jerusalem, home to more than 200,000 settlers. The West Bank and east Jerusalem are together home to some 3 million Palestinians.
Much of the international community views the settlements as illegitimate and an obstacle to peace. The Palestinians see them as a land grab that undermines their chances to establish a viable, contiguous state. Peace efforts have been moribund for nearly 15 years, while Israel continued to establish facts on the ground with more settlement construction and a Palestinian political rivalry complicated peacemaking.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Israeli settler population in West Bank surpasses 500kJERUSALEM (AP) — Israel's West Bank settler population now makes up more than half a million people, a pro-settler group said Thursday, crossing a major threshold. Settler leaders predicted even faster population growth under Israel's new ultranationalist government.
Read more »
Blinken visits the Palestinian West Bank, where residents are disillusioned and leaders are angryVisiting the Mideast, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken reiterates support for the two-state solution, even as its prospects seem to be vanishing.
Read more »
In West Bank, Blinken presses for two-state solutionU.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken shuttled from Israel to the Palestinians' West Bank on Tuesday, appealing for an end to resurgent violence and reaffirming Washington's backing for a two-state solution to the decades-long conflict.
Read more »
Four West African nations get $311 million from World Bank for renewablesThe World Bank has signed an agreement with four West and Central African nations worth $311 million to fund renewable energy projects.
Read more »
Dallas-based Southwest Airlines scrubs more than 500 flights, about 12% of its entire scheduleNearly 350 flights were canceled at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, according to tracking service FlightAware. About 4,700 flights were delayed nationwide.
Read more »
HubSpot to lay off about 500 employees, consolidate workspace leasesHubSpot Inc. said Tuesday it would layoff about 7% of its workforce, or about 500 employees, as part of a plan to cut costs. The internet marketing software...
Read more »