The US State Department issues a vague statement stressing the importance of “stability” in the West Bank in response to queries from reporters regarding Israel’s plan to advance the highly controversial E1 settlement project aimed at further burying prospects for a two-state solution.
“A stable West Bank keeps Israel secure and is in line with the Trump administration’s goal to achieve peace in the region,” says a statement from the State Department.
“We remain focused on ending the war in Gaza and ensuring Hamas will never govern Gaza again, freeing the hostages, including the remains of two Americans, and facilitating the delivery of critically needed humanitarian assistance,” the statement continues, indicating that the US is less focused on developments in the West Bank than those in Gaza.
“We refer you to the government of Israel for more information,” the State Department adds, continuing its policy of largely avoiding criticism of Israel.
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Thursday, August 14, 2025
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