Infrastructure for annexation: The government decided to build Israeli power plants and solar fields in the West Bank
Peace Now reports on 12 November 2024:
On 31/10/24 the government decided to build two Israeli power plants and to allocate 2,000 dunams of solar photovoltaic (PV) projects in the Occupied Territories.
The decision was part of the “Economic Plan for 2025 – Structural Changes” (also known as “The Arrangement Law“), which contains a series of government programs and reforms that are submitted for approval along with the state budget. Some of the plans in the Arrangements Law require legislative amendments and will be brought to the Knesset for approval along with the budget proposal, while the rest of the plans came into effect as a government decision on 31/10/24.
The decision to establish power plants and PV projects in the Occupied Territories was included in the chapter entitled “Promoting the Energy Security of the Israeli Electricity Sector” which primarily discusses measures to boost electricity production within Israel.
The plan aims to utilize Palestinian territories to supply electricity to Israel, thereby increasing Israel’s reliance on infrastructure that will be developed specifically in the West Bank. At the same time, the establishment of energy projects in the West Bank will increase Palestinian dependence on Israel.
Peace Now: The government is pursuing an “energy annexation” strategy aimed at increasing Israel’s reliance on infrastructure in the West Bank while deepening Palestinian dependence on Israel.The power plants are not intended to benefit the Palestinian population; instead, they will serve Israel, the sole beneficiary. This amounts to the exploitation of occupied territory for the benefit of the occupying power, a clear violation of international law. Amid the ongoing war and decisions ostensibly focused on the budget, the government is promoting the annexation of the West Bank and undermining Israel’s interests in a future of peace with Palestinian independence alongside Israeli sovereignty.