Israel's recent announcement to establish 22 settlements in the occupied West Bank, including the legalization of unauthorized outposts, is likely to complicate relations with allies already critical of Israel's Gaza actions. Despite international law deeming these settlements illegal, finance minister Bezalel Smotrich and defense minister Israel Katz presented the decision as a historic step towards consolidating Israel's claim over the territory. Their statements emphasize a perceived historical right to the land and an effort to counteract Palestinian statehood aspirations, indicating a potential movement towards de facto annexation.
"We have made a historic decision for the development of settlements: 22 new communities in Judea and Samaria, renewing settlement in the north of Samaria, and reinforcing the eastern axis of the State of Israel," Smotrich said.
Katz said the settlement decision "strengthens our hold on Judea and Samaria, anchors our historical right in the Land of Israel, and constitutes a crushing response to Palestinian terrorism."
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