The League of Arab States condemns Israel's seizure of thousands of dunams in the northern Jordan Valley

The Arab League on Saturday condemned the decision of Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to seize 8,000 dunams in the northern Jordan Valley for the purpose of “colonial expansion.”

Spokesman for the Secretary-General of the Arab League, Jamal Rushdi, said in a statement: “The Israeli decision reflects its effort to stabilize the reality of illegal settlements, and to challenge the international will that desires to implement the two-state solution.”

He stressed that "the Israeli crimes in Gaza, despite their heinousness and brutality, should not divert attention from the ongoing Israeli plan to annex lands and eliminate what remains of the two-state solution," calling on the international community to shoulder its responsibilities and take a position that "puts an end to the occupation's violations and prevents such violations." "Provocative steps and stops unilateral decisions."

Israel confiscated about 8,000 dunams of land in the Jordan Valley, declaring it “state land,” meaning it can now be used for development projects.

Israeli public radio, Kan, reported on Friday that declaring ownership of the land to Israel would allow the construction of hundreds of settlement housing units, in addition to an area designated for industry and trade. This step was supervised by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who also holds the position of minister within the Ministry of Defense.

Smotrich said that declaring ownership of the land to Israel is “an important and strategic issue,” adding: “While there are those in Israel and the world who seek to undermine our right to Judea and Samaria (the West Bank) and the country in general, we are strengthening the settlement movement by working hard and in a strategic manner in all areas.” All over the country.”