West Bank & Jerusalem
Israel approves 1,516 settlement units across three West Bank sites
Image credit: Shehab Wire (EN)
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Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced that the higher planning council for settlements will grant final approval to build 1,516 housing units in three settlements located in the West Bank, according to Shehab Wire. Smotrich did not identify which specific settlements would receive the construction or outline a timeline for when work would begin.
The move represents the latest expansion of Israeli settlement building in occupied Palestinian territory. International law designates Israeli settlements as illegal, though Israel disputes this characterization. Settlement construction has accelerated significantly over the past year, drawing repeated condemnation from Palestinian officials and the international community. The expansion continues amid broader tensions over Israeli military operations and Palestinian governance in the West Bank.
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