COMMON MYTHS & FACTS #4 MYTH: Jewish settlements in the ‘West Bank’ are Illegal. FACT: The United States recognizes the establishment of Israeli civilian settlements in the West Bank to be consistent with international law.Since there has never been a sovereign state of “Palestine” prior to 1948 or 1967, there cannot legally be an “occupation of Palestinian lands” by Israel according to the Hague Convention of 1907.Israel already has legal claim to Judea, Samaria, and Eastern Jerusalem, Israel has the right to build Jewish communities in disputed territory in Area C until a final peace agreement is signed with the Palestinian Authority. Return to Myths vs Facts Home