Israel Greenlights 19 New Settlements in Occupied West Bank

Sun Dec 21 2025 20:28:36 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a controversial move, Israel's government has approved the establishment of 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, further complicating peace efforts in the region.

The Israeli security cabinet has officially recognized 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, driven by far-right officials who aim to impede the creation of a Palestinian state. This decision, seen as illegal under international law, has drawn global condemnation, notably from states like Saudi Arabia and the UN, warning that such expansions threaten peace and a viable Palestinian state. With settlement approvals surging, fears about the future of a two-state solution intensify amid ongoing violence since the war in Gaza began in October 2023.

Israel Greenlights 19 New Settlements in Occupied West Bank

In a controversial move, Israel's security cabinet has approved the recognition of 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank as part of its ongoing expansion efforts. This decision comes amidst heightened tensions following the war in Gaza that erupted in October 2023.

The push for these settlements has been spearheaded by far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Defence Minister Israel Katz, who assert that their intentions are to block the establishment of a Palestinian state. Smotrich, who himself is a settler, has publicly declared that expanding settlements is essential to stifle Palestinian statehood aspirations.

Internationally, Israeli settlements in the occupied territories are deemed illegal, a stance reaffirmed by the United Nations. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres remarked that the relentless expansion of settlements exacerbates tensions and stifles Palestinian access to land, subsequently jeopardizing the viability of establishing a sovereign Palestinian state.

The approval of these settlements arrives as violence in the occupied West Bank has surged, increasing fears that such developments could solidify Israel's occupation and further undermine the possibility of a two-state solution. The two-state framework is envisioning the establishment of a Palestinian state in territories including the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem serving as its capital, following the pre-1967 borders.

Since taking office in 2022, the current Israeli government has notably accelerated the approval of new settlements, bringing the total new settlements recognized over three years to 69, as stated by Smotrich. This includes the re-establishment of two settlements, Ganim and Kadim, which were dismantled nearly two decades ago.

In May 2025, Israel notably sanctioned the approval of 22 new settlements, marking a significant expansion, while also moving ahead with plans to construct over 3,000 homes in the contentious E1 area between Jerusalem and Maale Adumim, which had been stalled for years due to international opposition. Smotrich claimed this would effectively 'bury' the concept of a Palestinian state.

Settler population in the region is now estimated at around 700,000, residing in approximately 160 settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem — territories that Palestinians seek for their future independent state. This relentless settlement expansion has ignited outrage among Arab nations, who believe it severely undermines the prospects for a peaceful resolution.

As international voices, including that of the UK and other Western nations, begin to recognize Palestinian statehood symbolically, Israel's stance remains resolute against any further developments toward Palestinian autonomy, as reaffirmed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.