Israel legalizes 19 settlements in the West Bank

Israel’s security Cabinet has approved a plan to legalize 19 settlements in the occupied West Bank, as presented by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. This decision, marking a significant shift in settlement policy, includes both newly established and existing settlements, such as Ganim and Kadim, which were previously evacuated in 2005. The move is seen as a step toward formal annexation, potentially undermining the viability of a two-state solution. Approximately 500,000 Israeli settlers currently reside in these West Bank settlements.

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