Israel’s security cabinet recently took action that has attracted widespread condemnation by voting to approve 22 new settlements in the occupied West Bank during a secret ballot, led by Defense Minister Israel Katz and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. These actions, spearheaded by Defense Minister Israel Katz and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, include recreating outposts such as Homesh and Sa-Nur that were dismantled during Israel’s 2005 disengagement from Gaza – something widely reported by The Times of Israel as Wikipedia +7 TRT Global +7 Anadolu Ajansi +7 These newly approved settlements include both new communities and legalization of existing outposts that had previously been declared illegal by Israeli authorities. According to reports, the government intends to strengthen Israel presence near key strategic locations like Route 443, which connects Jerusalem and Tel Aviv through West Bank territory. It has also approved five settlements from Agenzia Nova as well as The Times of Israel which are all expected to become operational soon. Nabil Abu Rudeineh, spokesperson of the Palestinian presidency, strongly denounced this move. He described it as an unlawful escalation that undermines international law and contributes to regional instability, while emphasizing all forms of settlement activity are illegal under international law and United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334 which holds that Israeli settlements in occupied territory including East Jerusalem do not have “any legal validity”. US Muslims TRT Global WTASerbWikiWATANSERBWWAFA Agency were among those opposing this move International responses have been swift. The United Nations reaffirmed its stance that Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories violate international law, specifically Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention. Furthermore, in 2024 ruling of International Court of Justice confirmed such illegality of settlements and called on Israel to cease activities on these lands while withdraw all settlers. Within weeks Wikipedia + Anadolu Ajansi also voiced similar sentiments. Critics have raised serious concerns over the secretive nature of the cabinet decision. Critics argue that bypassing public debate and transparency undermines democratic principles while further alienating international partners. Meanwhile, representatives for Israeli settlers in the West Bank applauded it as “one of the most significant since 1967”, signalling their government’s commitment to expanding settlements. Wikipedia +2 Agenzia Nova +2 The Times of Israel. This development comes amid rising tensions in the region. Since October 2023, Israeli military operations and settler violence in the West Bank have resulted in significant Palestinian casualties and injuries; according to Palestinian Health Ministry figures at least 970 Palestinians have been killed and over 7,000 injured during this time frame – Watanserb +1 Anadolu Ajansi 1 International pressure for a two-state solution remains strong, and settlement expansion remains seen as one of the primary impediments to peace. Israel continues its settlement expansion plans; thus making any prospect for renewed negotiations or long-term peace uncertain.
