Israel plans major expansion of West Bank settlements

Israel's hardline finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, announced plans on Wednesday to significantly expand three Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, approving the construction of 2,162 new homes. This expansion, which includes 1,006 units in a new settlement near Jerusalem, 922 near Nablus, and 234 near Hebron, is viewed by Palestinians as a major obstacle to their aspirations for an independent state.

Most countries consider Israeli settlements in the West Bank illegal under international law and a significant impediment to achieving a two-state solution for lasting peace. Smotrich, who oversees parts of Israel's civilian administration in the West Bank and has faced sanctions from several countries for inciting violence against Palestinians, stated that the construction would "strengthen our hold on the land, reinforce Israel’s security, and establish clear facts on the ground that prevent the creation of an Arab terror state in the heart of the country."

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We are continuing to build the Land of Israel in practice.

The announcement drew immediate condemnation from the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's office, which warned that Israel's "provocative" policies were escalating tensions and pushing the region toward further violence. They called on the United States to intervene and halt what they termed Israeli "madness."

Since becoming a minister, Smotrich has advocated for tighter Israeli control in the West Bank and opposed the idea of a Palestinian state. His right-wing government has overseen a notable expansion of settlements and the establishment of new ones. The Palestinian leadership hopes the West Bank, along with East Jerusalem and Gaza, will form the basis of their future independent state. Approximately half a million Israeli settlers currently live in the West Bank among about three million Palestinians.

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strengthen our hold on the land, reinforce Israel’s security, and establish clear facts on the ground that prevent the creation of an Arab terror state in the heart of the country.