Summary
- Israel approves 22 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announces.
- European nations threaten sanctions, warning against further settlement expansion.
- Palestinian Authority and Hamas condemn the move, calling it a major escalation.
Israel Moves Forward With Controversial Settlement Expansion
On May 29, Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced the approval of 22 new Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank. The decision has drawn sharp criticism from Palestinians and the international community, with some allies warning of potential sanctions.
Smotrich, a staunch supporter of Israeli annexation of the West Bank, stated on X (formerly Twitter) that the new settlements would be built in the northern West Bank, though exact locations were not specified.
Legalizing Outposts and Expanding Settlements
According to Israeli media reports, the Defense Ministry confirmed that some of the new settlements would involve legalizing existing unauthorized outposts, while others would be entirely new constructions.
Currently, over 700,000 Israeli settlers live in the West Bank and East Jerusalem—territories Israel captured in the 1967 Six-Day War. While Israel annexed East Jerusalem (a move not recognized internationally), it has not formally claimed sovereignty over the West Bank.
Palestinians: Settlements Threaten Future Statehood
Palestinian leaders see the relentless expansion of settlements as a direct obstacle to the creation of a future Palestinian state in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza.
Nabil Abu Rudeineh, spokesperson for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, called the decision a “dangerous escalation” and accused Israel of fueling instability.
“This extremist Israeli government is trying by all means to prevent the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.”
Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri also condemned the move, calling it part of Israel’s broader war against Palestinians and urging the U.S. and EU to take action.
International Backlash: Sanctions Loom
The announcement comes amid growing frustration from European nations, with Britain, France, and Canada recently warning Israel that continued settlement expansion could trigger targeted sanctions.
Most of the world considers Israeli settlements illegal under international law, citing violations of the Fourth Geneva Convention, which prohibits occupying powers from transferring civilians into seized territories. Israel, however, argues that settlements are legal under its own laws.
Settlement Surge Amid Gaza War
Settlement construction has accelerated dramatically since the start of Israel’s war in Gaza, now in its eighth month. Alongside increased military raids in the West Bank, settler violence against Palestinians has also risen, further destabilizing the region.
What Happens Next?
Will Palestinian resistance grow? With peace talks stalled, frustration could lead to further unrest.lements continue to expand unchecked.
Will Europe impose sanctions? Pressure is mounting, but concrete action remains uncertain.
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