Maskiot
Israeli settlement in the West Bank
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Maskiot (Hebrew: מַשְׂכִּיּוֹת, lit. Artful Bowls) is an Israeli settlement in the West Bank.[2] Located in the northern Jordan Valley, it falls under the jurisdiction of Bik'at HaYarden Regional Council.[2] In 2024, it had a population of 397.
Maskiot
| |
|---|---|
| Hebrew transcription(s) | |
| • Standard | Maskiyot |
| |
  Maskiot Location within the Northern West Bank | |
| Coordinates: 32°19′3″N 35°30′8″E | |
| Country | Palestine |
| District | Judea and Samaria Area |
| Council | Bik'at HaYarden |
| Region | West Bank |
| Founded | 1986 |
| Founder | Nahal |
| Population (2024)[1] | 397 |
The international community considers Israeli settlements in the West Bank illegal under international law, but the Israeli government disputes this.[3]
History
Maskiot was established as a Nahal settlement in 1986 and was takes its name from a verse in the Bible (Proverbs 25:11): "A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver."[4][5]
In 2006, a plan to expand Maskiot was put on hold following international backlash.[6] In July 2008, a plan to expand Maskiot by building 20 new houses was made public.[7][8] According to Israeli Radio, the expansion was part of a deal between settlers in Israeli Outposts established without the permission of the Israeli Government and the Israeli Defense Ministry.[8] The new houses were planned to accommodate Gush Katif evacuees as part of the Israeli disengagement from Gaza.[9] UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said he was "deeply concerned" over the new Maskiot plan, whereas the British government said it was "dismayed". A spokesman for US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said that the settlement expansion was "not helpful", and "inconsistent with Israel's commitment to the roadmap".[10]