Ramallah, August 5, 2025 (Agencies) — The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates has denounced U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson’s recent visit to the “Ariel” settlement, a site built on occupied Palestinian land in the central West Bank.
The Ministry described the visit and Speaker Johnson’s statements supporting annexation as “provocative and inflammatory,” accusing him of undermining international law and obstructing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate regional tensions. The statement emphasized that such actions contradict the United States’ long-standing public opposition to settlement expansion.
“This visit represents a blatant violation of international legitimacy, relevant United Nations resolutions, and both Arab and American efforts to restore calm and end the ongoing conflict,” the Ministry said.
Palestinian authorities reiterated their position that all Israeli settlements within the occupied territories are illegal under international law and pose a direct threat to the two-state solution. They warned that high-level political endorsements of settlements could embolden further expansion and settler violence.
The Ministry urged Washington to clarify its stance and to prevent future actions that contradict stated policies and threaten prospects for peace.