What's happened
Israel's security cabinet approved 19 new settlements in the West Bank, raising the total to 69 over three years. The move, led by far-right officials, aims to prevent a Palestinian state and has drawn international condemnation amid ongoing violence and settlement expansion. The UN reports record-high growth since 2017.
What's behind the headline?
The recent approval of 19 settlements signifies a strategic push by Israel's far-right government to entrench its control over the West Bank. This expansion undermines prospects for a two-state solution, as it encroaches on land Palestinians claim for a future state. The international community, including the UN, condemns these actions as illegal and destabilizing. The settlement surge, coupled with increased violence and military clashes, indicates a worsening cycle of conflict. The US's cautious stance contrasts with widespread international opposition, highlighting the geopolitical complexity. This move will likely deepen Palestinian grievances, escalate violence, and hinder peace negotiations, making a negotiated resolution more distant.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that Israel's approval of settlement expansion has increased the number of settlements by nearly 50% during the current government’s tenure, from 141 in 2022 to 210, with international law considering these settlements illegal. SBS emphasizes that the latest approvals are part of a broader trend, with 69 settlements approved over three years, and highlights the record-high growth since 2017, condemned by UN Secretary-General António Guterres. France 24 notes that the settlements are located in strategic areas and that some, like Ganim and Kadim, are being re-established after dismantling two decades ago. All sources agree that these expansions threaten the viability of a Palestinian state and violate international law, with some Israeli outposts also illegal under Israeli law, fueling fears of annexation. The sources differ slightly in tone: The Independent focuses on the legal and diplomatic implications, SBS on the geopolitical and violence context, and France 24 on the strategic and historical aspects.
How we got here
Since Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem in 1967, settlement expansion has been a contentious issue. The current far-right government, dominated by proponents of settlement growth, has approved numerous new settlements, legalizing some previously established outposts. This expansion is viewed as illegal under international law and has intensified tensions, especially amid recent violence and calls for Palestinian statehood.
Go deeper
Common question
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Bezalel Yoel Smotrich is an Israeli politician. The leader of Tkuma, he is currently a member of the Knesset for the Yamina alliance.
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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.