The episode of 'Behind the News' addressed Netanyahu's government plans to expand the borders of Jerusalem and intensify settlement activity in the West Bank.
The episode of 'Behind the News' aired on February 16, 2026, focused on the Israeli government's ambitions under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to expand the boundaries of Jerusalem. It detailed recent approvals for significant settlement activities and the controversial move to register Palestinian lands as Israeli property, raising concerns about escalating tensions in the already fraught Israeli-Palestinian context.
The discussion also delved into the implications of these decisions for the Oslo Accords, highlighting how such actions may undermine the already fragile peace process and the pursuit of a two-state solution. Analysts on the show expressed worries about the political and social ramifications of these policies, suggesting that they threaten the viability of a future Palestinian state and deepen divisions both regionally and internationally.
Furthermore, the timing of these strategies was scrutinized, as they coincide with a period of heightened responses from Arab nations and the international community. Panelists debated the likelihood of effective diplomatic pushback against Israel's expansionist policies, questioning the potential consequences for all parties involved, including the impact on Palestinian sovereignty and regional stability.
