Netanyahu orders removal of unauthorized West Bank settler outposts amid U.S. pressure

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the removal of unauthorized settler outposts throughout the West Bank, affecting an estimated 100 sites built from prefabricated caravans. The move responds to strong criticism from U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee, who described violent settlers as terrorists and called for severe repercussions. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich clarified that the instruction applies to outposts located in Areas A and B, even as he voiced opposition to the decision and highlighted settlement growth in Area C. Israel has alternated between demolishing and later recognizing such outposts, and no start date for the removals has been provided.

The United Nations and most governments deem all Israeli settlements illegal, whereas Israel maintains the territory is disputed. Recent settler attacks on Palestinian villages have intensified pressure on Israel to act against settler violence.