Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clarified on Wednesday that the passage of a measure that allows Jews to return to northern Samaria settlements that were removed in 2005 will not result in new construction there.
"The Knesset's decision to repeal parts of the Disengagement Law put an end to a discriminatory and humiliating act that prevented Jews from residing in northern Samaria, which is part of our historical homeland," the Prime Minister's Office said, noting that "it's no coincidence that senior officials of the Opposition supported this move." The statement stressed that despite the passage, "the government has no plans to re-establish settlements there."
The US expressed its displeasure with the repeal in multiple occasions on Tuesday, including during a meeting between the second-most senior official in the State Department with Israeli Ambassador to the US Michael Herzog, during which the former expressed "concern" over the Knesset rescinding the 2005 West Bank disengagement law.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
"The Deputy Secretary conveyed US concern regarding legislation passed by the Israeli Knesset rescinding important aspects of the 2005 Disengagement Law, including the prohibition on establishing settlements in the northern West Bank," the statement said.
Earlier on Tuesday, State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel said the administration was "extremely troubled" by a move by the Israeli parliament that paves the way for Jewish settlers to return to four West Bank settlements that were part of Israel's Disengagement Plan.
Patel said the amendment of a 2005 law was "particularly provocative and counterproductive" to efforts to restore calm ahead of the Ramadan, Passover, and Easter holidays. The Disengagement Plan was conceived by then-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and was endorsed by President George W. Bush with a special letter that guaranteed Israeli interests.
Its main component was the eviction of thousands of settlers from the Gaza Strip in the hopes of stopping Hamas' rocket attacks and creating legitimacy for Israeli action. It also included a similar measure in northern Samaria involving the razing of four Jewish communities, which now could be reversed following the passage of the new measure.
The move came just two days after Israel reaffirmed a pledge to pause discussion of new settlements and authorizations of outposts, Patel said, a reference to a joint statement between Israeli and Palestinian officials following talks in Egypt.
"The US strongly urges Israel to refrain from allowing the return of settlers to the area covered by the legislation, consistent with both former Prime Minister Sharon and the current Israeli government's commitment to the United States," Patel said.
"We have been clear that advancing settlements is an obstacle to peace and the achievement of a two-state solution."
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!
