Israel Approves Largest West Bank Settlement Expansion in Decades

Israel has approved the establishment of 22 new Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, marking the largest expansion since the Oslo Accords of 1993 and signaling a continuation of de facto annexation. The decision, announced by Defense Minister Israel Katz and far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, aims to reinforce Israeli control over the territory and prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state, according to Israeli officials. This move has drawn sharp condemnation from Palestinian authorities, international observers, and Israeli human rights groups like Peace Now and B'Tselem, who describe it as illegal under international law and an obstacle to peace. The expansion occurs amidst ongoing Israeli military operations in the West Bank, increased settler violence against Palestinian communities, and a new Israeli law allowing children as young as 12 to be sentenced to life imprisonment, raising concerns about human rights violations. While some Israeli officials praise the decision as a strategic response to Palestinian terrorism and support for Jewish sovereignty, critics warn it will deepen regional instability and hinder prospects for a two-state solution. International allies have expressed concern, with some threatening sanctions in response to the settlement expansion.