US Embassy Offers Consular Services in Efrat Settlement for First Time

Historic Consular Outreach in Efrat

The United States Embassy in Jerusalem announced on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, that it would host one-day consular services in the Israeli settlement of Efrat, located in the occupied West Bank. This initiative, which took place on Friday, February 27, 2026, marks the first instance of the U.S. State Department publicly offering direct consular services to American citizens residing in an Israeli settlement.

The services provided included routine passport services, aimed at reaching American citizens in the region. The embassy stated that this outreach was part of an initiative called 'Freedom 250,' commemorating the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, and was an effort 'to reach all Americans.' Efrat, established in 1983, is situated approximately 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) south of Jerusalem, between Bethlehem and Hebron, and is home to a significant American immigrant community.

Context of U.S. Policy and Settlements

The decision to offer services in Efrat represents a notable development in U.S. policy regarding Israeli settlements. Historically, U.S. consular services in the West Bank were provided in Palestinian cities like Ramallah. While an embassy spokesman maintained that the move does not signify a change in overall U.S. policy, critics view it as a shift, particularly under the current administration, which has been perceived as more favorable to Israeli settlements than previous U.S. presidencies. The international community largely considers Israeli settlements in the West Bank, territories captured by Israel in 1967, to be illegal under international law, a view disputed by the Israeli government.

The U.S. Embassy has indicated plans for similar future outreach events in another Israeli settlement, Beitar Illit, as well as in Ramallah and several cities within Israel, including Haifa, Jerusalem, Netanya, and Beit Shemesh.

Reactions from Israeli and Palestinian Officials

The announcement elicited strong and contrasting reactions from Israeli and Palestinian authorities. The Palestinian Authority's Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission condemned the move, calling it 'a clear violation of international law' and 'a blatant favoring of the occupation authorities.' Hamas also criticized the decision, describing it as 'a dangerous precedent' and 'a practical recognition of the legitimacy of settlement and the occupation's control over the West Bank,' arguing that it undermines the prospect of an independent Palestinian state.

Conversely, Israel's Foreign Ministry welcomed the U.S. decision, expressing appreciation and stating that it makes the relationship between Israel and the U.S. 'closer and stronger.' Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar specifically thanked the U.S. embassy for extending services to Efrat, referring to the region by its biblical name, 'Judea and Samaria.'