For first time, settler becomes chief of staff of Israel’s military
PBS NewsHourDec 23, 2022
The Facts
In a meeting on Wednesday, Israel's PM-elect Benjamin Netanyahu and right-wing parliament — Knesset — member Itamar Ben-Gvir agreed to legalize dozens of illegal settler outposts in the West Bank.
Netanyahu is currently assigned with forming a new Israeli government after his coalition won elections earlier this month. The pledge — which would need to pass a vote in parliament to be implemented — would retroactively legalize the outposts within 60 days of swearing in of the government.
The Spin
Pro-Palestine narrative
Netanyahu and Ben Gvir's agreement violates international law and undermines any possibility of achieving peace in the region. Once again, Israel is violating previous agreements on borders and invading Palestinian land.
Pro-Israel narrative
Legalizing the young outposts in the West Bank is a step in the right direction to supporting and protecting the Israeli settlers who live in the area. Terror attacks are a real threat in the region, and improved infrastructure and legitimization from the Israeli government will help to keep these settlers safe.