Is settler politics in Israel going unchallenged? | Updates on Israel’s War on Gaza

In Israel, the far right’s influence in politics is on the rise, with a government heavily reliant on a settler movement pushing an increasingly extreme agenda. Analysts note that settler and ultra-right-wing voices now dominate the cabinet, providing legal and political cover for further expansion into internationally recognized Palestinian territory.

Despite growing international criticism, the United States continues to fund Israel, as evidenced by a recent overwhelming vote in Congress to transfer $17 billion in military aid. House Majority Leader Chuck Schumer celebrated the bill’s passage, emphasizing US support for its allies and a commitment to safeguarding democracy.

The settler movement in Israel has been steadily growing for years, with settlers becoming more confident and engaging in violent attacks on Palestinian villages. This trend has been accompanied by a broader rightward shift in Israeli society, culminating in the election of the most right-wing parliament in the country’s history.

Extreme-right figures like Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich now hold key positions in the Israeli government, reflecting a growing constituency with messianic views on Palestinian land. The US has played a significant role in enabling Israel’s settlement expansion, undermining voices within Israeli politics that warn against the consequences of unchecked expansionism.

The US claims to oppose settlements on paper but has a history of supporting Israel’s actions. The recent embrace of settler missions by the Israeli government underscores the growing influence of ultranationalist trends in Israeli politics, posing a threat to Gaza and the Palestinian population. Despite some sanctions and condemnations, the US’s continued support for Israel raises concerns about the future of the region.