What it is about
In the wake of the devastating October 7 Hamas attack, settlers in the West Bank have been working diligently to bolster support for their causes among US conservative political leaders. Ruth Lieberman, a settler from Alon Shvut, hosted prominent Republican figures such as Senator Mike Lee and House Speaker Mike Johnson, strengthening political ties that align US policy more closely with Israel’s stance against the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Why it matters
This collaboration highlights the deepening relationship between Israeli settlers and conservative US politicians, aiming to influence future American foreign policy. Their efforts have gained momentum following the tragic October 7 events, potentially swaying the Republican Party’s position on Israeli settlements and Palestinian statehood ahead of the US elections.
The Big Picture
Lieberman’s grassroots efforts, backed by strategic visits from influential US conservatives, reflect the growing alignment between certain Israeli and American political factions. The recent meetings could impact the longstanding US policy supporting a two-state solution, a shift reminiscent of Trump-era policies that prioritized Israeli interests.
Strategic Alliances
Hosting influential figures like Senator Mike Lee and House Speaker Mike Johnson, Lieberman aims to leverage their support to reinforce Israeli sovereignty over territories contested by Palestinians and discourage the push for a two-state solution. Lieberman and other settler leaders have ramped up efforts to sway the Republican Party to solidify pro-Israel policies.
Intensifying Activities Post-October 7
The violent attack on October 7, which resulted in significant loss of life and security breaches for Israel, has underscored the urgency of Lieberman’s mission. It has propelled Greater outreach efforts by settler leaders to reach US conservatives, particularly those with strong evangelical Christian ties, to solidify their opposition to a Palestinian state.
Opposition to Traditional US Policy
Despite the Oslo Accords and decades of US support for a two-state solution, the recent collaboration suggests a shift. Notable figures within the Trump administration and evangelical Christians argue that the Palestiniain state bids provide incentives for violence. The rising influence of these views could lead to substantial policy shifts if the conservative machine gains power.
Grassroots Coalition “Keep God’s Land”
Rabbi Pesach Wolicki has been a pivotal figure, advocating for stronger cooperation between Israeli religious right and US Christian Zionists. The campaign “Keep God’s Land,” formed after the October conflict, has brought together over 1,000 Jewish and Christian leaders. This coalition uses media and conferences to counter President Biden’s Palestinian state arguments and seeks to shift GOP policies permanently.
Engagement with US Lawmakers
The legislative push continues at home and in the US, with events at key conservative forums, backed by prominent Republican lawmakers supporting Jewish settlements in biblical Judea and Samaria—terms preferred by right-wing Israelis. Representative Claudia Tenney’s bill to rename US documents reflects these collaborative efforts finding legislative expression.
Gaza War’s Impact and Future Trajectory
Following the intense escalations, anytime a new development occurs in Gaza, prime assertions over sovereignty in West Bank settlements ignites tougher political dialogue. Netanyahu’s government accelerates expansion plans, solidifying Israel’s presence in these disputed lands despite international controversies. Long-term ambitions, like those of Ambassador David Friedman, aim for large, sustained Israeli territories without yielding full citizenship rights for Palestinians, hypothetically mirroring U.S. territorial models.
What’s Next
The scenario implicates multiple geopolitical dynamics as the settlers reinforce their positioning within critical international dialogues, especially involving high-stakes cooperation from broad US conservative support systems. Watches closely these efforts’ potential ramifications on conventional Middle Eastern policy doctrines vis-a-vis future party policy adaptation on impending US elections post-generational threats and opportunities in the region.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.