World Middle East Politics

Israel Approves New West Bank Settlements

Israel Approves New West Bank Settlements

Israel's approval of dozens of new settlements in the West Bank has sparked outrage and fear among Palestinian communities.

Far-right minister Bezalel Smotrich outlined plans to expand borders across Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria during an inauguration event.

The move is illegal under international law and comes as Israeli settlers killed a Palestinian man during a raid on a village.

The surge in settlement activity and violence has claimed at least 22 lives in the West Bank since the start of the war in late February.

West Bank
Palestinian territory on the western bank of the Jordan River, occupied by Israel
Israel
Country in West Asia
Bezalel Smotrich
Israeli far-right politician (born 1980)
Palestine
Country in West Asia