Israel Unveils Controversial Settlement Plan in Occupied East Jerusalem Area

Israel Plans to Develop 9,000 Settlement Units at Jerusalem Airport

Israeli authorities have announced plans to discuss approving 9,000 settlement units on the ruins of the Qalandiya airport and a separate project in Sheikh Jarrah. The Jerusalem governorate made this announcement on Sunday.

According to Suhail Khalilieh, a political analyst, the timing of these moves is linked to recent geopolitical developments. In December 2025, the Atarot plan was briefly shelved but has now returned to consideration.

Khalilieh stated that the American position on Jerusalem has encouraged settlement expansion. He noted that international criticism has been reduced to verbal objections without deterrence.

The airport project is not just about housing; it is a strategic location. Khalilieh explained that the Atarot settlement is part of a larger vision for “Greater Jerusalem”. The plan would increase the area of Jerusalem by adding 175 square kilometers, reaching a total of 246 square kilometers under Israeli control.

In parallel, the “Nahalat Shimon” plan in Sheikh Jarrah targets the historic “Holy Basin” area north of the Old City. Khalilieh stated that this plan aims to dismantle geographical continuity between Palestinian neighborhoods and transform them into isolated population islands.

Khalilieh warned that Israel is using neutral planning terms to camouflage a policy of forced displacement. He noted that more than 300 Palestinian homes were demolished in East Jerusalem in 2025 alone.

The analyst called for legal and diplomatic intervention before construction begins, as reversing facts on the ground is politically challenging. He suggested activating provisional measures at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and targeting international companies involved in the projects.

Khalilieh emphasized that early intervention is crucial to freeze these projects until the political situation can be addressed.

Source: Al Jazeera