Overview
- Israel's Higher Planning Council granted final clearance for 478 homes in Hashmonaim, 230 in Beitar Illit, and 56 in Givat Zeev.
- Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called the move part of a strategic effort to strengthen settlements and said 51,370 units have been advanced since late 2022.
- The United Nations, the European Union, and several Western and Arab governments criticized the decision, while Palestinian officials labeled it a dangerous escalation that damages prospects for a two-state solution.
- A parallel NIS 2.7 billion funding package targets the establishment of 17 new settlements, with plans that include relocating military bases, building bypass roads, setting up 'absorption centers,' and upgrading security and infrastructure.
- UN-tracked settler attacks against Palestinians have surged to record levels, with 264 incidents reported in October, intensifying international concern about rising violence in the West Bank.