Posted on 02/24/24
| News Source: JPost
The Biden administration declared that West Bank settlements are illegal as it rescinded the "Pompeo doctrine" to underscore its objection to Israel’s declared intention to advance plans for 3,000 new settler homes.
“We’re disappointed in the announcement,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Friday during a joint press conference in Buenos Aries.
“It’s been longstanding US policy under Republican and Democratic administrations alike that new settlements are counterproductive to reaching an enduring peace.
“They’re also inconsistent with international law. Our administration maintains a firm opposition to settlement expansion. And in our judgment, this only weakens – it doesn’t strengthen – Israel’s security,” Blinken stated.
His statement and a similar one issued by White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby marked the first time since US President Joe Biden took office, that his administration has spoken of the illegality of West Bank settlements.