New Israeli barrier will slice through precious West Bank farmland

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 6 min read 100% complete by Julian Borger and Quique Kierszenbaum in Atouf, West BankDecember 13, 2025 at 08:00 AM

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Israel has begun confiscating Palestinian farmland near the village of Atouf in the West Bank to construct a military road and barrier. Eviction notices were issued to farmers in early December, giving them seven days to vacate their properties along a 14-mile strip. This construction marks the first phase of the "Crimson Thread," a 300-mile barrier extending from the Golan Heights to the Red Sea. The Israeli defense ministry claims the barrier is for security purposes. However, human rights activists argue the barrier's true purpose is land seizure and the obstruction of Palestinian statehood, leading to accusations of ethnic cleansing in the Jordan Valley. An appeal has been lodged with Israeli courts, but locals have low expectations.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Golan Heights 40% Red Sea 40% Jordan valley ×250% West Bank ×360% Israel ×570% Atouf ×480%

Keywords

israeli barrier 100% west bank 90% land confiscation 80% palestinian farmland 80% eviction notices 70% jordan valley 60% ethnic cleansing 50% military road 50% land seizure 40%