**Israeli Settlers See Trump’s Victory as Chance to Move Forward**
The victory of Donald Trump in the US presidential election has been seen by many Israeli settlers in the West Bank as a chance to move forward with their plans for expanding settlements.
Sondra Baras, who lives in the settlement of Karnei Shomron, said she was “thrilled” by Trump’s victory and believed it would support her desire to extend sovereignty over Judea and Samaria. She said: “I want to extend sovereignty over Judea and Samaria. And I think that’s something Trump would support.”
Some members of Trump’s incoming administration have also expressed their support for Israeli claims in the West Bank. Mike Huckabee, who has been nominated as ambassador to Israel, said during an interview last year that he believed God had given the land to the Jews 3,500 years ago and therefore it was theirs.
**Shift in Tone**
Yisrael Gantz, a member of Israel’s parliament, said he had already noticed a shift in tone from the incoming Trump administration. He said: “Both in Israel and the US, they both understand that we must apply sovereignty here.” However, he also noted that this would be a difficult issue for Trump to resolve, as it would alienate Washington‘s key ally Saudi Arabia and complicate his chances of a regional deal.
**Palestinian Concerns**
Mohaiyeh Salameh, who lives in the Palestinian city of Nablus, said that Israel was already annexing land in the West Bank. He showed me the rubble from his family’s home, which had been declared illegal by an Israeli court and destroyed. He said: “This is part of policies that force us to leave.” Palestinians are also increasingly being forced off their land by violent Israeli settlers.
**Background**
The Oslo Peace Accords, signed three decades ago, have given Israel full control of security and planning on a temporary basis in 60% of the West Bank. Lawyers say that demolitions such as those experienced by Mohaiyeh’s family are on the rise. Activists say more than 20 Palestinian communities have been expelled over the past few years by increasingly violent attacks.
Read More @ www.bbc.com