White House and Netanyahu Spar Over His Complaints About U.S. Support

Israel is making significant changes in the occupied West Bank by appointing an administrator who will answer to a government minister known for supporting the annexation of the territory. This move has been seen by analysts and human rights activists as a step towards the far right’s goal of expanding Israeli settlements in the area. The administrator will have increased authority over building and demolition permits, which settlers consider crucial for strengthening their presence in the West Bank. This is the latest in a series of changes made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing government to govern the West Bank, including easing the planning process for new settlements and transferring powers to the settler leader. The government aims to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state in the territory.