Israel's Smotrich Hails 'Settlement Revolution' as West Bank Expansion Accelerates

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has announced what he described as a "revolution" in Israel's settlement expansion policy, following the government's approval of 13 new settlements in the occupied West Bank.

In a statement posted on social media, Smotrich said the expansion of settlements would extend beyond the occupied West Bank into the Negev and Galilee, describing the move as a major step in strengthening Israeli control over the territories.

The newly approved settlements will be located in key areas along Route 60, the main highway connecting Palestinian cities such as Nablus, Ramallah and Bethlehem, as well as areas stretching toward the Jordan Valley.

Palestinian officials condemned the decision, warning that the expansion would further separate occupied East Jerusalem from the rest of the West Bank and weaken prospects for a future two-state solution.

Settlement construction has increased sharply since Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu formed his far-right coalition government in 2022. According to Palestinian monitoring groups, the number of new settlement outposts has risen significantly over the past three years, supported by increased government funding.

International law considers Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem illegal, a position rejected by Israel. An estimated 500,000 Israeli settlers live in the occupied West Bank, while about 250,000 reside in occupied East Jerusalem.

The latest expansion comes amid growing reports of settler violence and demolitions in Palestinian communities. United Nations investigators recently reported a sharp increase in attacks on Palestinian villages, farmland and infrastructure since 2023.

Palestinian authorities say hundreds of attacks by Israeli settlers and security forces were recorded in recent months, resulting in damaged homes, destroyed farmland, uprooted olive trees and the displacement of thousands of Palestinians across the occupied West Bank.

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