Israel Approves 19 New Settlements in West Bank

Israel's security cabinet has approved 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, a move proposed by Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Defence Minister Israel Katz. The decision is part of the government's continued settlement expansion push, despite international condemnation. Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank are considered illegal under international law. The move has been condemned by Saudi Arabia and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who said it fuels tensions and threatens the viability of a sovereign Palestinian state. The decision brings the total number of settlements approved over the past three years to 69. The approvals include the re-establishment of two settlements, Ganim and Kadim, which were dismantled nearly 20 years ago. The settlement expansion has angered Arab nations and raised concerns about the possible annexing of the occupied West Bank.

Israel's Cabinet has approved 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, as announced by Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich. This decision brings the total number of new settlements over the past two years to 69 and increases the total number of settlements in the West Bank by nearly 50% during the current government's tenure. The move is considered controversial as settlements are widely regarded as illegal under international law. The approval comes at a time when the U.S. is pushing for a Gaza ceasefire and a possible 'pathway' to a Palestinian state, which Smotrich has stated the settlements aim to prevent. The decision includes retroactive legalization of some settlement outposts and the creation of new settlements on land where Palestinians were previously evacuated. The U.N. has condemned settler expansion, citing a surge in attacks against Palestinians in the West Bank.

The Israeli government has approved 19 new Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, bringing the total number of settlements to 210, a nearly 50% increase since 2022. The move is seen as a blow to the possibility of a Palestinian state and has been criticized by international organizations. The settlements are considered illegal under international law and have been accused of fragmenting Palestinian territory and displacing residents. The approval includes the re-establishment of two settlements, Kadim and Ganim, that were dismantled in 2005. The move comes amid pressure from the US to advance the Gaza ceasefire.