Key facts
- Israel approved construction of 2,162 new homes in three West Bank settlements.
- The approved units include 1,006 near Jerusalem, 922 near Nablus, and 234 near Hebron.
- Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated the expansion aims to 'strengthen our hold on the land.'
- Most nations consider Israeli settlements in the West Bank illegal under international law.
- Palestinians view the settlements as an obstacle to a future independent state.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced on Wednesday the approval of 2,162 new Jewish homes in three settlements in the occupied West Bank. The approved units include 1,006 near Jerusalem, 922 near Nablus, and 234 near Hebron. Smotrich, an ultranationalist, stated the expansion aims to 'strengthen our hold on the land' and 'establish clear facts on the ground that prevent the creation of an Arab terror state.' Most of the international community considers Israeli settlements in the West Bank illegal under international law and a significant impediment to a two-state solution. Palestinians seek the West Bank as part of a future independent state. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' office condemned the announcement as 'provocative' and warned of increased violence, calling on the U.S. to intervene.