Israeli ministers have revealed plans to advance settler colonialism in the West Bank by establishing 22 new settlements, deliberately violating international law. The officials, including Defense Minister Israel Katz and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, emphasize that this expansion is part of a strategic vision to reinforce Israeli control and obstruct any potential for a Palestinian state. This initiative also involves legalizing unauthorized outposts, which have proliferated amidst rising violence against Palestinians. Palestinian authorities condemn this move, warning it could exacerbate regional tensions and lead to further instability.
Defense Minister Israel Katz and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated, 'All the new communities are being established... aimed at reinforcing Israeli control of the territory... preventing the establishment of a Palestinian state.'
Nabil Abu Rudeineh called the expansion announcement a 'dangerous escalation' that will perpetuate a 'cycle of violence and instability' in the region already facing an increase in Israeli settler violence.
#israeli-settlements #palestinian-statehood #international-law #middle-east-conflict #settler-violence
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