Israel expands West Bank settlements as diaspora Jews grapple with rising anti‑Zionism

Since the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks, Israel has accelerated settlement activity in the West Bank. Eighteen new settlements and eight army bases have been built on lands previously held by Palestinian families, accompanied by new Israeli outposts and roadblocks. Israeli officials, including central command chief Avi Bluth, finance minister Bezalel Smotrich and defence minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir, are reported to be pushing a program aimed at reshaping the region in preparation for annexation.

At the same time, the growing hostility toward Israel in Western political discourse is prompting many diaspora Jews in the United States and the United Kingdom to question their future in those societies. Some feel pressured to renounce support for Israel to avoid accusations of Zionism, while others are reaffirming their connection to Israel in response to the conflict. The debate reflects broader concerns about anti‑Zionism, antisemitism and the identity of Jewish communities abroad.