Why Is Israeli Settlers’ Return To West Bank’s Kadim Raising Fears Over Palestinian Statehood?

Last Updated:August 21, 2026, 5:25 PM IST

The move followed the Israeli government’s decision to lift a long-standing ban on Jewish settlement in the area.

A general view of Tulkarm camp, showing new streets created by Israeli bulldozers after the demolition of Palestinian homes, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, July 7, 2025. (Reuters photo)

A group of Israeli settlers has returned to Kadim in the occupied West Bank, 20 years after the settlement was evacuated under Israel’s 2005 disengagement plan.

Around 30 families arrived at the former settlement near Jenin on Thursday, with some travelling under military escort and carrying furniture, construction material and other supplies. The move followed the Israeli government’s decision to lift a long-standing ban on Jewish settlement in the area.

Kadim Settlement Reopens Near Jenin

Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich attended the opening ceremony and said, “21 years after the crime of expulsion from northern Samaria, we have completed the correction […] and have returned to the settlement of Kadim,” referring to the northern West Bank by its biblical name, BBC reported.

Kadim was among four settlements dismantled in the northern West Bank in 2005. Ganim, Sanur and Homesh have since been reopened, making Kadim the latest of the four to see settlers return.

Move Threatens Contiguous Palestinian State?

The development has triggered concern among Palestinians and critics of Israel’s settlement policy. Under international law, Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank are considered illegal, while Israel rejects that interpretation.

The issue is particularly significant for supporters of an independent Palestinian state because the West Bank is expected to form a major part of such a state under the two-state solution. Expanding settlements mean more Israeli-controlled communities, roads and military infrastructure are being established inside Palestinian territory, potentially making it harder to create a geographically connected Palestinian state.

The Israeli government has approved more than 100 new settlements across the West Bank since taking office in late 2022, including 19 in the northern part of the territory, according to the report.

Palestinian officials also point to growing military activity and land seizures around Jenin. A new Israeli military outpost is being built near Jenin Refugee Camp, while Palestinian residents say demolitions, road closures and settler attacks have increased.

“Fear dominates everything. We are completely defenceless,” said Palestinian teacher Samer Jaber, describing the impact of the settlement expansion on nearby residents.

Key Questions Answered

Powered by

Ask News18

How do new settlements impact a future Palestinian state?

Expanding Israeli settlements in the West Bank establish more Israeli-controlled communities, roads, and military infrastructure within Palestinian territory, which could make it more difficult to create a geographically connected Palestinian state. This fragmentation of the West Bank, particularly through projects like the E1 settlement, could sever the territorial contiguity essential for a future independent Palestinian state.

Will this move escalate tensions in the West Bank?

The return of Israeli settlers to Kadim, following the lifting of a ban on Jewish settlement in the area, is raising fears for Palestinian statehood. This move, along with other settlement expansions and increased military activity, is seen as undermining the prospect of a two-state solution and could escalate tensions.

Powered by

Ask News18

About the Author

Manisha Roy

Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com’s general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manish…Read More

Read More