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World – The South African government has strongly condemned recent statements by Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who ordered preparations for the annexation of settlements in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. South Africa believes that this directive represents a significant escalation in Israel’s longstanding efforts to seize control over Palestinian territories.
“This development is compounded by a decision adopted by the Israeli Cabinet on 18 June 2024, which gave Minister Smotrich approval to plan construction in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT),” it said in a statement.
“It should be recalled that soon after his appointment to his current position, Mr Smotrich moved quickly to approve thousands of new settlement homes and legalised previously unauthorised settlements, which practically made it more difficult for Palestinians to build homes and move around.”
In light of these developments, the South African government calls on the international community to unequivocally oppose Israel’s continued illegal annexation and settlement expansion on Palestinian lands, arguing that these actions violate international law and numerous United Nations resolutions.
They stress that “The Israeli Government’s provocative policies and actions are extreme and warrant a decisive response by the international community. South Africa is opposed to the Israeli illegal annexation and settlement expansion on Palestinian lands.”
South Africa asserts that Israel’s actions signify a shift from de facto occupation to a formalised annexation strategy, consolidating its control in open defiance of international consensus. They believe this demonstrates a lack of any genuine commitment by Israel toward achieving a two-state solution.
They stress that Israel must be reminded of UN Security Council Resolution 2334, adopted unanimously on 23 December 2016, which reaffirmed that settlements in territories occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, are illegal and constitute a significant obstacle to a just and comprehensive peace.
“South Africa further calls for concrete actions aimed at reviving a political process, leading to the establishment of a viable Palestinian state, in compliance with all relevant UN Resolutions, international law and internationally agreed parameters.”
