Overview

• Cabinet approves 22 new West Bank settlements including nine new sites, one existing community and 12 outposts upgraded to official status.
• Israeli officials say the expansion reinforces national security and historic claims to the territory.
• The U.K., Jordan and the United Nations condemn the decision for breaching international law and hindering Palestinian statehood.
• U.N. figures report at least 616 Palestinians killed and over 41,000 displaced in West Bank violence since January 2024.
• Analysts warn the move could strain U.S. ties with moderate Arab allies and erode prospects for a two-state solution.