Fourteen countries condemn Israel's approval of 19 new West Bank settlements
Fourteen countries including the UK, Canada, and Germany have condemned Israel's security cabinet approval of 19 new settlements in the West Bank. They stated that the decision violates international law and risks increasing instability in the region.
Israel's approval, announced last Sunday, significantly expands the settler presence. According to Bezalel Smotrich, it brings the total number of settlements in the West Bank to 69; however, the group Peace Now lists the total as 210 following this latest approval. The expansion notably includes the approval of two settlements that were evacuated during the 2005 disengagement.
This recent move represents about a 50% increase in West Bank settlements during the current government, with 141 settlements recorded in 2022 and now 210 after the latest decision. The joint statement from the 14 countries calls on Israel to reverse the decision and halt further expansion, reaffirming their commitment to a two-state solution and to United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334.
Israel's Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa'ar, rejected the statement, arguing that it does not address Israel's security needs. He asserted the right of Jews to live in the Land of Israel and accused the foreign governments of discrimination.
The statement was issued by the UK, Belgium, Denmark, France, Italy, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Canada, and Germany.
