Eliana Passentin revels in her home’s panoramic views from a Jewish settlement in the West Bank, aspiring for the region's annexation by Israel. Recent U.S. political developments, particularly under President-elect Donald Trump, have ignited hope among settlers regarding this ambition. Notable appointees, such as Pete Hegseth for defense secretary, who has publicly visited key sites like ancient Shiloh, and Mike Huckabee, chosen as ambassador to Jerusalem, have instilled confidence in the settler community that their goals may see support from a sympathetic U.S. administration.
With nearly half a million settlers and approximately 2.7 million Palestinians in the West Bank, the long-standing vision of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel contrasts sharply with the views of those living in settlements. These settlers assert that the prospect of such a state has diminished, especially following the escalation of violence with Hamas's attacks on Israel and the changing U.S. political context.
Leaders among the settler population wish for Israeli sovereignty over parts, if not all, of the West Bank—a move that has historically faced global pushback since the territory’s acquisition from Jordan in 1967. As Integration within Israel becomes more appealing for settlers like Ms. Passentin, there’s a palpable sense that the new administration in Washington could endorse major decisions made by Israel, fostering aspirations of annexation among the settler community.
Despite the geopolitical tensions, settlers remain hopeful; their sentiments reflect a belief that their long-desired objectives may become a reality as international politics evolve in their favor.
With nearly half a million settlers and approximately 2.7 million Palestinians in the West Bank, the long-standing vision of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel contrasts sharply with the views of those living in settlements. These settlers assert that the prospect of such a state has diminished, especially following the escalation of violence with Hamas's attacks on Israel and the changing U.S. political context.
Leaders among the settler population wish for Israeli sovereignty over parts, if not all, of the West Bank—a move that has historically faced global pushback since the territory’s acquisition from Jordan in 1967. As Integration within Israel becomes more appealing for settlers like Ms. Passentin, there’s a palpable sense that the new administration in Washington could endorse major decisions made by Israel, fostering aspirations of annexation among the settler community.
Despite the geopolitical tensions, settlers remain hopeful; their sentiments reflect a belief that their long-desired objectives may become a reality as international politics evolve in their favor.
