As tensions escalate in the West Bank, the Israeli press reported Sept. 28 that Defense Minister Benny Gantz intends to approve the construction of new settlement housing units. The reports came following a conversation between the minister and settlers who demonstrated outside his house. Gantz reportedly said he intends to approve plans before the Nov. 1 elections.
On Sept. 29, seven-year-old Rian Suleiman died during an IDF operation near Nablus. His family claims that he died of a heart attack while running away from the troops. The United States urged Israel to open a probe. State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel said, “We are heartbroken by the death of an innocent child. We support an immediate and thorough investigation.”
