Strategic Assessment

Every Israeli government since 1967 has developed Jewish settlements in the territories, but the settlements have fulfilled different national objectives in different eras. This article charts three stages in settlement development. Settlements were initially established to shape the country’s future border, strengthen Israel’s command of the area, and prevent transfer of the West Bank to a different party. Later years cultivated the distinction between blocs intended for annexation to Israel and isolated settlements intended to serve as bargaining chips in negotiations with the Palestinians. Currently settlements serve as a tool to address social problems, most of all finding housing for the ultra-Orthodox sector.