BEIT EL, West Bank — Recent statistics reveal that the Jewish population residing in the West Bank experienced growth at a rate that was double that of the overall population in Israel last year. This increase, which saw the settler population reach approximately 529,450, comes as advocacy groups express hope for policies from the U.S. administration that could further promote the expansion of settlements in the area.
According to a report provided by WestBankJewishPopulationStats.com, which utilizes official governmental data, the population of Jewish settlers in the West Bank grew by around 2.3%, translating to over 12,000 new residents, though this figure indicates a decrease from the previous year’s growth rate of 2.9%. In contrast, the general population growth rate within Israel was only about 1.1%. The report suggests that the number of Jewish settlers in the region could rise significantly due to the policies of U.S. President Donald Trump.
The West Bank has been occupied since Israel captured the territory during the 1967 Six-Day War, leading to the establishment of approximately 130 settlements and additional outposts in efforts to solidify Israeli presence in the region. Meanwhile, Palestinians consider the West Bank to be the central part of a future state, arguing that these settlements obstruct their path to independence. The majority of the international community, including the prior administration, regards these settlements as major barriers to achieving peace.
In July, the International Court of Justice declared the occupation illegal, pointing to violations of Palestinian self-determination rights and terming Israeli policies in these territories as “systemic discrimination” based on religion, race, or ethnic origin. The court concluded that Israel has effectively annexed significant portions of the area.
During his initial presidency, Trump significantly diverged from established international norms regarding the issue and fostered strong relationships with settlement leaders. His proposed peace plan suggested enabling Israel to annex sizeable sections of the West Bank and retain its settlements, leading to increased optimism among settlers for potential rapid expansions. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government, which heavily supports settlement growth, has additionally placed the finance-minded Bezalel Smotrich, a prominent settler leader, in charge of settlement development.
Baruch Gordon, director of the advocacy group behind the report, predicted a surge in construction, stating, “I think you’re going to see an explosion of the construction here.” The group estimates that by 2030, the Jewish population in the West Bank could exceed 600,000, juxtaposed with approximately 3 million Palestinians living in the same area.
The statistics presented do not account for the approximately 340,000 Jewish settlers residing in East Jerusalem, a region considered settlement by the international community, while Israel views these areas as integral neighborhoods of its capital.
In Beit El, a settlement situated on a high point adjacent to several Palestinian villages in the central West Bank, development is progressing rapidly. Recently completed luxury condominiums now accommodate around 300 families, and construction work is currently underway for new accommodations for a Jewish seminary.
Supporters of the settlements argue that maintaining control over these territories is essential for both security and spiritual fulfillment, with sentiments like, “This is our biblical heartland,” being voiced by settlers like Gordon. However, opponents assert that further expansion of the settlements is a catalyst for ongoing strife. Recently, the military launched an extensive operation in northern West Bank, partly in response to militant actions targeting settlements.
The United Nations reports that since the onset of conflict after Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023, over 800 Palestinians have lost their lives due to Israeli military actions. Concurrently, the UN has documented a rise in assaults by settlers against Palestinians. Israel defends its military operations as targeting militants, although incidents involving stone throwers and non-combatants have also occurred during these military efforts.
