Arab League chief warns of Israeli expansion plans in Negev and Galilee

Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy has expressed grave concern over Israeli intentions to expand Jewish settlements in the Negev and Galilee areas, which could adversely affect Arab inhabitants. In a statement on Tuesday, Fahmy highlighted that these expansion plans are intertwined with regulations impacting Arab towns and the authorities responsible for land planning.

He characterized these initiatives as indicative of a growing surge in anti-Arab sentiments within Israeli society. Fahmy contends that these proposed measures would institutionalize discrimination and marginalization based on identity and nationality, contravening the principles of equality and the rights of Arab citizens. He cautioned that should these policies be implemented, they could lead to significant social and political repercussions.

Fahmy underscored these developments as part of Israel's overarching strategy to alter the physical landscape, especially through settlement proliferation and efforts to hinder the emergence of a Palestinian state. He emphasized that such actions contravene international law and jeopardize the prospects of achieving a fair political resolution.

Fahmy urged the international community to shoulder its responsibilities in countering these policies and preserving the groundwork for an independent Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, asserting that a two-state solution remains the only viable path to achieving security and stability in the region.