Biden Reverses Trump Settlements Policy, Calling Israeli Occupation 'Illegitimate'
• Biden administration restores 1978 legal finding that Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories are “illegitimate” under international law, reversing Trump administration policy • Secretary of State Blinken said settlements are inconsistent with Israel's obligations, responding to Israel's announcement of over 3,300 new settlement homes • Reversal comes amid growing US-Israeli tensions over Gaza war and as UN court holds hearings on legality of Israeli occupation • Blinken said settlements are counterproductive to reaching enduring peace and weaken Israel's security • Decision returns US policy back to nearly 50 year precedent set by 1978 Hansell Memorandum legal determination