West Bank Settlement Expansion Under Scrutiny
Smotrich and Katz pushed the decision as far-right coalition's settlement construction increases, fragmenting the West Bank.
Israeli media linked the plan to the United States and Bezalel Smotrich, with some settlements newly established and others older.
Palestinian Authority condemned the decision, warning it erases Palestinian geography.
Hamas and Palestinian National Council called the decision an escalation, urging international action.
UN OCHA data shows 232 Palestinians killed, 1,700 settler attacks, and 1,000 displaced this year in the West Bank, home to 2.7 million Palestinians.
1 month ago