Israel's Secret Settlement Push: 22 New Outposts Approved Despite International Law
In a move that has sparked international concern, the Israeli Security Cabinet has secretly approved the establishment of 22 illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank, according to reports from Israeli media outlet Ynet.
The clandestine decision, made approximately two weeks ago, includes controversial plans to resurrect the settlements of Homesh and Sa-Nur, both of which were dismantled during Israel's 2005 unilateral 'disengagement plan' from Gaza. These settlements are slated for construction in what Israel refers to as 'Judea and Samaria,' a biblical term for the West Bank that is not recognized by international bodies.
Israeli Minister Smotrich Announces 22 New Settlements in Occupied #WestBank, Drawing Global Condemnation Read more: https://t.co/FZiEl5yggt#Israel #GazaGenocide pic.twitter.com/lrh4glvINF
— Leaders MENA (@leadersmena) May 29, 2025
In this context, Israeli media reported that all new settlements 'are being established based on a long-term strategic vision aimed at strengthening Israeli control over the land, preventing the establishment of a Palestinian state, and establishing settlement development reserves for the coming decades.'
Commenting on the decision, Katz said that it 'strengthens control in the West Bank and constitutes a crushing response to Palestinian terrorism that seeks to undermine and weaken settlements.'
Israeli Security Minister Yoav Gallant and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich jointly submitted the initiative, signaling high-level support within the Israeli government.
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