Israel inaugurates new settlement near Bethlehem to cut off Palestinian connection

Israel today, Monday, inaugurated a new settlement named "Yatsiv" near Bethlehem in the southern occupied West Bank, which would cut off Palestinian geographical connection in the area.

A video clip broadcast by journalists and Israeli media showed Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Settlement Minister Orit Strock cutting the ribbon of the new settlement, a month and a half after the government's decision to approve a series of settlements.

Sources close to the Israeli right said that "this settlement constitutes a strategic extension between Har Homa, an Israeli settlement southwest of Jerusalem, and Tekoa, a settlement southeast of Bethlehem, near the Palestinian town of Beit Sahour, east of Bethlehem."

For its part, right-wing Israeli sources reported that the "Yatsiv" settlement is the closest Jewish point to Bethlehem and will create a direct geographical connection between the eastern part of the Gush Etzion settlement bloc and Jerusalem.

Yatsiv settlement established in a unique strategic location near Bethlehem (AFP)

Sources said that "the Yatsiv settlement was established in a unique strategic location near Bethlehem, and it is the closest Jewish settlement to the city to date, which contributes to creating continuous communication between eastern Gush Etzion and Jerusalem, and enhances the continuity of settlement and security in the region."

The establishment of this settlement comes within the decision of the Political-Security Cabinet, which approved about a month and a half ago the organization and declaration of new settlements in the occupied West Bank, and ten families live in these settlements today, according to sources.

Smotrich said at the ceremony held on the occasion, "Laying the cornerstone is a Zionist, strategic and political step of the highest levels, and according to the policy I lead, we are eliminating the idea of a Palestinian state and strengthening Jewish control over the land, and deepening the continuity of settlement and security."

The Israeli mini-cabinet had approved a plan to establish 19 settlements in the occupied West Bank, in a plan that includes expanding the scope of settlement and strengthening the Israeli presence in several areas of the West Bank, which would escalate tension in the Palestinian territories.

This came amid escalating international criticism of settlement expansion policies, which are considered a violation of international law, and amid warnings of their repercussions on the chances of a political solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.