Israel Approves 19 New Settlements in Occupied West Bank Amid International Condemnation
Israel's security cabinet has approved the establishment of 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, increasing the total number of settlements to 210, according to Peace Now. This marks a significant rise from the 141 settlements recorded in 2022. The recent plan, cited by Bezalel Smotrich, brings the total number of settlements approved in recent years to 69. Notably, the expansions include two settlements that were evacuated during the 2005 disengagement. Under the current government, West Bank settlements have increased by nearly 50%.
The move has been met with strong international condemnation. Fourteen countries, including Britain, Canada, and Germany, have criticized the approval as a violation of international law and warned that it could risk regional stability. These nations have urged Israel to reverse the decision and to halt further settlement expansion. The condemnation highlighted concerns that such actions could undermine plans related to Gaza and harm the prospects for a negotiated two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The critics also called for adherence to United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334.
Opposition has been reiterated against annexation and the extension of settlement policies, including the approval of the E1 settlement plan and the construction of thousands of new housing units. The international community's stance underscores its commitment to seeking a peaceful resolution and preserving the viability of a two-state solution.
