Israel's government has taken a decisive step in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict by approving the largest settlement expansion in decades, consisting of 22 new Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank. The announcement, made by both Defence Minister Israel Katz and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, revealed that several of these settlements, previously classified as illegal outposts, will now be legalized retroactively under Israeli law.
The contentious nature of settlements, deemed illegal by most of the international community despite Israel's counterclaims, continues to fuel tensions in the region. Katz defended the expansion by stating it serves to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state, which he argued would pose a risk to Israeli security. In stark contrast, the Palestinian presidency condemned the decision as a "dangerous escalation."
Moreover, the Israeli anti-settlement group Peace Now expressed deep concern over this development, warning that the settlements would significantly alter the geopolitical landscape of the West Bank and further entrench the current occupation.
Since the occupation began following the 1967 Middle East war, Israel has established approximately 160 settlements, accommodating around 700,000 Jewish residents. These settlements are situated on land that Palestinians assert is essential for the creation of their future state, intensifying calls for resolution and peace in the enduring conflict.
The contentious nature of settlements, deemed illegal by most of the international community despite Israel's counterclaims, continues to fuel tensions in the region. Katz defended the expansion by stating it serves to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state, which he argued would pose a risk to Israeli security. In stark contrast, the Palestinian presidency condemned the decision as a "dangerous escalation."
Moreover, the Israeli anti-settlement group Peace Now expressed deep concern over this development, warning that the settlements would significantly alter the geopolitical landscape of the West Bank and further entrench the current occupation.
Since the occupation began following the 1967 Middle East war, Israel has established approximately 160 settlements, accommodating around 700,000 Jewish residents. These settlements are situated on land that Palestinians assert is essential for the creation of their future state, intensifying calls for resolution and peace in the enduring conflict.
