US to provide consular services in illegal Israeli settlement
Al Jazeera
February 24, 2026
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The United States has announced plans to provide consular services at an illegal Israeli settlement in the West Bank, starting on February 27. The service will be available in Efrat, located between Bethlehem and Hebron, marking the first time the US will offer such services in a West Bank settlement. This move has sparked controversy, as Israeli settlements in the occupied territory are widely regarded as illegal under international law. The US Embassy in Jerusalem stated that similar on-site services may also be extended to other areas, including Ramallah, Beitar Illit, and cities within Israel.
The decision comes amid ongoing tensions between Israel and Palestine. Efrat is home to many dual US-Israeli nationals, which likely influenced the choice of location for these services. While the US maintains its embassy in West Jerusalem and a branch office in Tel Aviv, this new initiative reflects an expansion of consular support in areas with significant American immigrant populations. However, critics argue that providing services in illegal settlements sends a signal of US approval of Israeli policies.
Israel's settlement expansion has been a contentious issue for decades, with many international bodies condemning the practice. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government approved measures to increase control over the West Bank and declare large portions of Palestinian territory as Israeli "state property." These actions have drawn sharp criticism from over 80 UN member states. Despite such condemnations, far-right Israeli politicians continue to advocate for greater settlement expansion and even annexation of the territory.
The move also raises questions about US policy in the region. While former President Donald Trump expressed opposition to Israeli annexation, his administration did little to curb settlement growth during his tenure. Current policies appear to align more closely with Israel's right-wing agenda, further straining relations between Palestinians and settlers. In January
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/24/2026