A coalition of over a dozen Democratic senators, led by Senator Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), has formally requested that the Israeli government reverse its decision to proceed with new housing developments in the West Bank. The senators expressed significant concern regarding the potential consequences of these projects, specifically noting that the expansion could effectively divide Palestinian territory and complicate future peace efforts.

The letter, sent on Friday, serves as a direct challenge to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration regarding its current settlement policy. While the senators emphasize the risks to regional stability and the viability of a two-state solution, the Israeli government has historically maintained that these developments are necessary for security and historical ties to the region. The Hill reports that the senators are specifically focused on the recent government decision to open bidding for these new units, which they believe undermines diplomatic progress. The report notes that the senators view the expansion as a barrier to long-term peace, though it does not detail the specific response from the Israeli Prime Minister’s office or the broader reaction from the Israeli cabinet.