West Bank

Israel’s ideological debates on the existential issues of war and peace are fuelled by non-governmental organizations on all sides. In these intense NGO battles, hundreds of millions in foreign money, including tax-exempt contributions from the United States, as well as more secretive and targeted European government funding, plays a central role. 

JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Tax-exempt donations from the United States have helped Jews to strengthen West Bank settlements, preventing the creation of a Palestinian State, the New York Times reported.

As the U.S. government works to bring about an end to Jewish settlements and build a Palestinian state in the West Bank. U.S. Treasury tax breaks have provided $200 million in tax-free funding to the settlements from American donors, the lengthy report published Tuesday in the New York Times reported.

WASHINGTON (JTA) -- The U.S. State Department warned Americans to "exercise a high degree of caution" while traveling in highly trafficked areas in Israel.

It also said that Americans should avoid West Bank demonstrations because of dangers posed by Israeli troops dispersing protesters, and should not attempt to enter the Gaza Strip by sea.

The peace process moved fitfully along this week as Israel prepared for another round of Palestinian prisoner releases, the opening of a bypass road connecting the Gaza Strip to the West Bank, and the dismantling of 15 West Bank settlements.

Even as the Israeli cabinet decided Wednesday to approve construction of a security barrier in the heart of the West Bank, it opted to delay voting to connect the barrier to the main security fence for fear of jeopardizing American aid.
The 18-4 vote was widely expected because the compromise allows the government breathing room to work out American objections and yet sends a message to the settlers that they are not being abandoned. The fence is to be east of the large Jewish settlements of Ariel and Kedumim, but will not be continuous in early stages.