Huckabee Says Israel’s Settlement Plan in Occupied West Bank ‘Not a Violation of International Law’
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has reportedly said he does not oppose Israel’s controversial settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, claiming the move does not amount to a breach of international law, according to Israeli Army Radio.
Support for E1 Settlement Project
The remarks came in reference to Israel’s plans to build thousands of housing units in the E1 area, a highly disputed stretch of land that would connect occupied East Jerusalem with the illegal settlement of Maale Adumim. Critics, including the United Nations and European Union, have long warned that construction in E1 would effectively cut the West Bank in half, undermining the possibility of a contiguous Palestinian state.
Huckabee reportedly said the decision is for “the government of Israel to make” and added, “We would not try to evaluate the good and the bad of that, but simply just say that, as a general rule, it is not a violation of international law.”
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A Direct Challenge to International Consensus
The ambassador’s stance contrasts with international legal opinion. Under the Fourth Geneva Convention, transferring an occupier’s civilian population into occupied territory is prohibited. The UN, International Court of Justice, and most governments worldwide classify Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem as illegal.
Successive US administrations, while often critical of settlement expansion, have historically avoided labeling Israel’s settlement policy outright illegal. Huckabee’s latest comments, however, go a step further by openly denying that settlement construction constitutes a violation of international law.
Implications for Peace Efforts
The E1 project has long been considered a red line for peace negotiations. Palestinian leaders argue that if built, it would sever the West Bank, isolate East Jerusalem, and make the establishment of a viable Palestinian state virtually impossible.
Huckabee’s reported endorsement risks further straining US credibility as a neutral broker in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, while signaling strong support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right coalition.
Australia Bars Far-Right Israeli Politician
Australia has barred far-right Israeli politician Simcha Rothman from entering the country, citing concerns that his visit would promote “hate and division.” The decision, confirmed by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, blocks Rothman from traveling to Australia for a planned “solidarity tour” in August.
Visa Application Rejected
Rothman, a member of the Religious Zionism party and part of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, was scheduled to attend public events in Sydney and Melbourne, along with two private gatherings. However, his visa application was rejected, with authorities confirming he will not be able to apply again for at least three years.
Burke stressed that Australia applies strict standards to anyone seeking to visit the country.
Rothman is one of the most outspoken members of Israel’s right-wing political landscape. He has previously described children in Gaza as ‘enemies’ and has called for Israel to assume full control of the occupied West Bank.
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His remarks and political stance have often drawn criticism from international rights groups, which accuse him of fueling tensions in the already volatile Middle East.
Planned Events in Australia
The politician’s trip was organized by the Australian Jewish Association (AJA), a right-leaning group. He was expected to deliver speeches at public forums and meet with community groups supportive of his views.
Critics argued that his presence would inflame local debates and risk importing Middle Eastern divisions into Australian society. Burke’s move to deny Rothman entry reflects Canberra’s attempt to keep such tensions at bay.
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