Israel's Controversial Expansion: 19 New Settlements Approved in the West Bank

Sun Dec 21 2025 22:13:34 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Israel's security cabinet has authorized the establishment of 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, stirring international concern and anger amongst Arab nations. The settlement expansion, led by far-right officials, raises questions about the future of a potential Palestinian state.

In a significant move, Israel has approved 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, a decision criticized for undermining efforts toward a two-state solution. The proposal, championed by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, aims to block the creation of a Palestinian state. The international community, led by the UN and Saudi Arabia, has condemned this move due to its implications for regional stability and peace efforts. This decision comes amidst increasing violence in the region and marks a strategic shift in Israeli settlement policies under the current government.

Israel's security cabinet has approved the recognition of 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank as the government continues its settlement expansion push.

Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a settler who proposed the move alongside Defence Minister Israel Katz, stated that the decision was about blocking the establishment of a Palestinian state. This move is controversial, as Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank are considered illegal under international law.

In response, Saudi Arabia condemned the move, calling it detrimental. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres noted that Israel's relentless settlement expansion fuels tensions and threatens the viability of a sovereign Palestinian state.

Violence in the occupied West Bank has surged since the war in Gaza began in October 2023, further heightening fears that settlement expansion could entrench Israel's occupation and undermine a two-state solution. The two-state solution refers to the establishment of a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip based on pre-1967 borders.

Under the current government, which has been in office since 2022, there has been a noticeable increase in the approval of new settlements, with the latest decision bringing the total to 69 settlements approved over the past three years, according to Smotrich.

This recent authorization includes the re-establishment of two settlements, Ganim and Kadim, which were dismantled nearly 20 years ago. The approvals follow a significant approval of 22 new settlements in May, marking the largest expansion in decades, and plans in August to build over 3,000 homes in the contested E1 area, which has faced international opposition for years.

Approximately 700,000 settlers currently reside in about 160 settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, according to Israeli anti-settlement group Peace Now. These areas are sought by Palestinians for a future independent state.

The expansion of settlements continues to provoke anger from Arab nations and raises concerns about potential annexing of the West Bank. Past US administrations have cautioned Israel against such approaches, indicating it would jeopardize US support.

In a symbolic shift, in September, the UK, along with several other countries, recognized a Palestinian state, a move opposed by the Israeli government, reiterating Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's stance that a Palestinian state will not happen.