The discrepancy between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statements and those of the EU shows where the political deficiency lies. Predictably, the EU’s failure to address settler-colonialism and Israel’s existence as a colonial enterprise is failing to curb expansion. Words without action fulfil nothing except the publication of futile statements. Netanyahu, on the other hand, is adamant about settlement expansion in both rhetoric and action.

Speaking about illegal settlement outposts in the occupied West Bank, Netanyahu told the settlers, “You are fulfilling the vision of the Land of Israel, and this is our land.” If it really was Israeli land, settlement expansion would not be illegal under international law.

However, declaring only part of Israeli settlements illegal while dismissing the structure that provides cover for settlement expansion – Israel itself – only serves to create further impunity for Israel, and complicity within the international community.

However, declaring only part of Israeli settlements illegal while dismissing the structure........

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