The proposal was presented by Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, together with Defence Minister Israel Katz. Smotrich stated that the decision is intended to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state.
However, the construction of Israeli settlements in the West Bank is considered illegal under international law. Saudi Arabia has condemned Israel’s decision.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres said that Israel is carrying out settlement expansion in a “relentless” manner. He warned that the move would further restrict Palestinians’ access to land and pose a serious threat to the viability of a sovereign Palestinian state.
In May, Israel approved 22 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, marking the largest expansion in decades.