MESOP MIDEAST WATCH: USUAL TRICKS&TACTICS- From the Settlers to Biden, Israels West Bank Plans Try to Appease Almost All

U.S. officials were prepared to swallow the approval of 2,000 to 3,000 housing units in the West Bank in light of the shaky Bennett government’s need to shore up support among right-wing voters, an Israeli source said

Jonathan LisMay. 7, 2022 HAARETZ –

The convening of the Higher Planning Council of Israel’s Civil Administration later this week, in order to advance the construction of 4,000 housing units in West Bank settlements, provides all of those involved with a chance for political spin.

That includes wavering Yamina Knesset member Nir Orbach, who has already claimed credit for the accomplishment on behalf of the right. Prime Minister Naftali Bennett can attribute the limited scope of the construction plans to American pressure and concern over doing anything that would lead to a cancellation of President Joe Biden’s scheduled June trip to Israel. And finally, there is the Biden administration itself, which has already been quick to publicly condemn approval of the plans even though it put pressure on Jerusalem to temper the final list of plans.