Israel plans big West Bank settlement push many see as illegal
Israel's finance minister has announced plans for a significant expansion of Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, which many view as illegal. The construction will add over 2,000 homes across three settlements, despite international condemnation. Palestinian leaders warn that these actions threaten peace and could lead to increased violence in the region.
- ▪The expansion includes 1,006 units near Jerusalem, 922 near Nablus, and 234 near Hebron.
- ▪Most nations consider Israeli settlements in the West Bank illegal under international law.
- ▪Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemned the announcement, calling it provocative and a threat to peace.
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Israel plans big West Bank settlement push many see as illegalSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxFILE PHOTO: Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich speaks at a press conference regarding settlements expansion for the long-frozen E1 settlement, that would split East Jerusalem from the occupied West Bank, near the Israeli settlement of Maale Adumim in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, August 14, 2025. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun/File PhotoPublished Jun 03, 2026, 08:51 PMUpdated Jun 03, 2026, 08:51 PMJERUSALEM, June 3 - Israel's hardline finance minister announced on Wednesday a major expansion by more than 2,000 homes of three Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank that Palestinians hope will be part of a future independent state.Most nations consider Israeli…
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