What's happened
Israel's security cabinet approved 19 new settlements in the West Bank, bringing the total approved over three years to 69. The move, justified by officials as preventing a Palestinian state, follows UN reports of record settlement expansion since 2017 and ongoing tensions in the region.
What's behind the headline?
The approval of these settlements signals a deliberate escalation in Israel's territorial policies, likely to deepen regional tensions. The move aligns with the stance of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a strong proponent of settlement expansion, who claims it aims to prevent a Palestinian terror state. This expansion, condemned by the UN as illegal and destabilizing, will entrench the occupation further and undermine prospects for a two-state solution. The strategic placement of new settlements, including re-establishing some dismantled decades ago, indicates a long-term plan to solidify territorial claims. The international community's condemnation, especially from the UN Secretary-General, underscores the global concern that such actions threaten regional stability and Palestinian self-determination. The recent surge in violence, with over 1,000 Palestinians killed since October 2023, underscores the volatile context in which these approvals occur. The move is likely to provoke further international criticism and could complicate future peace negotiations, with the potential to entrench divisions and prolong conflict.
What the papers say
The articles from SBS, France 24, and The New Arab all report on Israel's recent approval of 19 new settlements in the West Bank, emphasizing the international legal stance and UN condemnation. SBS highlights the move's timing amid increased violence and international criticism. France 24 provides detailed context on the political motivations, including statements from Smotrich and Guterres, and notes the strategic importance of the settlements. The New Arab emphasizes the broader geopolitical implications, including US warnings against annexation and the impact on Palestinian self-determination. While all sources agree on the core facts, France 24 offers a more detailed analysis of the political rhetoric and strategic considerations, whereas SBS and The New Arab focus more on the regional and international reactions.
How we got here
Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967, where settlement expansion has been a contentious issue. The recent approvals are part of a broader pattern of settlement growth, which international law considers illegal. The move comes amid increased violence and calls for Palestinian statehood, with several countries recognizing such a state recently.
Go deeper
Common question
-
Why Is Israel Approving New Settlements Now?
Israel's recent approval of 19 new settlements in the West Bank has raised many questions. Why is this happening now, and what does it mean for the region? In this page, we'll explore the reasons behind the settlement expansion, its impact on peace prospects, and international reactions. If you're wondering about the current tensions and future of the Middle East, keep reading to get clear answers to your questions.
More on these topics
-
The West Bank is a landlocked territory near the Mediterranean coast of Western Asia, bordered by Jordan to the east and by Israel to the south, west and north. The West Bank also contains a significant section of the western Dead Sea shore.
-
Bezalel Yoel Smotrich is an Israeli politician. The leader of Tkuma, he is currently a member of the Knesset for the Yamina alliance.
-
Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
-
The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.