Israel approves 19 new settlements in occupied West Bank

BBC News - World ConflictNews ReportEN 2 min read 75% complete December 21, 2025 at 03:38 PM

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Palestine urges ‘powerful partners’ to stop Israel’s West Bank ‘annexation’

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

Israel's security cabinet has approved 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, a move proposed by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Defence Minister Israel Katz. This decision aims to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state, according to Smotrich. The approvals come shortly after the UN reported settlement expansion is at its highest level since 2017, and include re-establishing two settlements dismantled nearly 20 years ago. The current Israeli government has significantly increased settlement approvals since taking office in 2022, totaling 69 in the past three years. International law considers Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank illegal, and the decision has drawn condemnation from Saudi Arabia and concern from the UN Secretary-General, who warns it fuels tensions and undermines a two-state solution.

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Key Claims (5)

AI-Extracted

The decision was about blocking the establishment of a Palestinian state.

quote — Bezalel Smotrich100% confidence

Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank are considered illegal under international law.

factual — Shaimaa Khalil,JerusalemandMallory Moench100% confidence

Israel's security cabinet has approved the recognition of 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank.

factual — Shaimaa Khalil,JerusalemandMallory Moench100% confidence

About 700,000 settlers live in approximately 160 settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

statistic — Peace Now90% confidence

The most recent decision brings the total number of settlements approved over the past three years to 69.

statistic — Smotrich90% confidence

Claims are automatically extracted and should be independently verified. Attribution indicates the stated source of the claim.

Keywords

israeli settlements 100% occupied west bank 90% settlement expansion 80% palestinian state 70% two-state solution 60% international law 50% settler 40%