Mattis disapproves of the settlements...he is no friend to Israel.
He and Petraeus co-authored the COIN manual - the winning hearts and minds strategy that expects our servicemen to be further exposed in the hopes of winning the locals hearts and minds. I know he has been a great warrior, I just don’t trust his judgement as the Sec. of Defense.
Some friends of Israel oppose the settlements because they give the appearance that the Pali scum have legitimate complaints. Not that they need an excuse to attack Jews...that's who they are.