US to Offer Consular Services in Israeli Settlement Area

US Embassy to Offer Passport Services in Efrat Settlement

The US Embassy in Jerusalem announced that it will begin providing passport services at an Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank on February 27. The embassy stated that this will be the first time it has provided consular services to a settlement in the area.

According to the embassy, similar services are planned for other locations, including Ramallah, Beitar Illit, and cities within Israel such as Haifa. Existing passport and consular services are currently available at the US Embassy in West Jerusalem and a Tel Aviv branch office.

The Efrat settlement is located between the Palestinian towns of Bethlehem and Hebron. It is home to many American immigrants and has been the subject of controversy due to its status as an Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank.

International law considers Israeli settlements in the West Bank to be illegal, but some far-right politicians have called for increased settlement expansion or annexation of the territory. The US government has taken steps to support Israel’s interests, including providing passport services at this location.

The International Court of Justice estimates that around 465,000 Israeli settlers live in the occupied Palestinian territory, spread across approximately 300 settlements and outposts. Some dual US-Israeli nationals also reside in these areas.

Source: Al Jazeera