The Israeli government has announced plans to establish 22 illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank, a move condemned as a dangerous escalation by Palestinian officials and rights groups. Defence Minister Israel Katz presented it as a strategy to strengthen control over the region while preventing a future Palestinian state. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who has a history of advocating for annexation, described the ruling as historic. Critics warn that these expansions exacerbate tensions and undermine peace efforts in an area already home to over three million Palestinians living under military governance.
Palestinian presidential spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeineh condemned the decision, calling it a dangerous escalation, as it threatens the potential for a future Palestinian state.
Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that the establishment of these settlements reinforces Israel's control over Judea and Samaria, also describing the decision as strategic.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich hailed the move as historic, claiming that it prevents the establishment of a Palestinian state that might threaten Israeli security.
The Likud party emphasized the decision’s strategic value, suggesting it is critical to fortifying Israel's hold along its eastern border with Jordan.
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