Israel has announced the establishment of 22 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, a decision made by the security cabinet and communicated by far-right officials, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Defence Minister Israel Katz. This move, which is condemned by the UN as illegal and seen as a barrier to peace, includes re-settlements of two communities evacuated in 2005 and aims to strengthen Israel’s presence in the region. The announcement precedes an international conference aimed at reviving the two-state solution, amidst growing concerns over the Israeli government’s intentions regarding the annexation of the West Bank.
