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Wednesday, November 11, 2026Nov 11

Israeli fast train to run through West Bank

By KARIN LAUB

Associated Press

BEIT IKSA, West Bank – A high-speed train between two major cities seems like a must for a developed nation. But Israel’s long-awaited, $2 billion Tel Aviv-Jerusalem railway is turning into a potential political nightmare after planners moved parts of the route into the West Bank.

The route dips twice into the war-won territory, at one point as a short cut and at another to appease Israelis who objected to tracks in their backyard.

Critics say that violates international law because the construction has seized occupied Palestinian land and won’t serve West Bankers.