US to offer passport services to citizens in illegal West Bank settlements

The Guardian World

by Jason Burke International security correspondent

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The United States has announced a significant shift in its foreign policy by offering consular services to American citizens in two Israeli settlements located in the occupied West Bank. This move marks the first time the US will provide on-site passport services in these settlements, breaking with previous policies that avoided such actions in areas considered illegal under international law. Palestinian officials have strongly criticized this decision, calling it a "clear violation of international law" and a step that undermines efforts to achieve a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The decision was made as part of an initiative to commemorate the 250th anniversary of US independence. The US embassy in Jerusalem revealed plans to offer routine passport services in the West Bank settlement of Efrat for one day only, on Friday. While the move is framed as a symbolic gesture tied to American history, it has sparked heated debates over its implications for the region's delicate political landscape. Israel has welcomed the decision, with some officials praising the US for taking a firm stand against what they view as Palestinian attempts to isolate Jewish communities in the West Bank. However, the Palestinian Authority and other international observers argue that such actions normalize Israeli settlements, which are widely considered illegal under international law. These critics warn that the move could further complicate peace negotiations and hinder efforts to establish an independent Palestinian state. The decision has also drawn criticism from human rights organizations and diplomats who view it as a potential breach of US obligations under international law. Many fear that by providing services in these settlements, the US is signaling support for Israel's expansionist policies, which could escalate tensions with neighboring countries and undermine regional stability. The move comes at a time when relations between the US and both Israel and the Palestinian Authority are already strained due to ongoing disputes over territorial rights and security arrangements. Ultimately, this decision highlights the complex web of political, legal, and diplomatic challenges surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While the US government frames its actions as a commemorative gesture tied to national history, critics argue that

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/25/2026