Israel's security cabinet has approved more than US$400 million to establish dozens of new settlements in the occupied West Bank. The move has drawn strong criticism from Palestinian groups and international observers, who argue it further undermines prospects for a negotiated two-state solution.
INR Report: Based on reporting by RT HERE.
Major settlement expansion approved
Israel has approved a funding package worth approximately 1.3 billion shekels (US$431 million) to establish 34 new settlements across the occupied West Bank.
The decision was announced by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who oversees civilian affairs in the territory and has long advocated expanding Israeli settlements while opposing the creation of a Palestinian state.
Smotrich described the decision as a "historic" milestone, adding that a further 1.075 billion shekels would be allocated to construct roads serving the new communities.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announcement (X):
https://x.com/bezalelsm/status/2077045602743959795
Territory remains internationally disputed
The West Bank was captured by Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War and remains one of the most contested regions in the Middle East.
It is home to approximately three million Palestinians and more than 500,000 Israeli settlers. Together with East Jerusalem and Gaza, the territory has long been viewed by much of the international community as forming the basis of a future Palestinian state under a two-state solution.
Israel argues the territory has deep historical, religious and security significance and refers to much of the region by its biblical names, Judea and Samaria.
International criticism continues
The latest expansion has attracted criticism from Hamas, which described the move as a step towards annexation and urged greater international action.
The United Nations, many Arab nations and numerous Western governments have also repeatedly criticised continued settlement expansion, arguing that it fragments Palestinian territory and makes a negotiated peace settlement increasingly difficult.
Successive Israeli governments have stopped short of formally annexing the West Bank, although critics argue that ongoing settlement growth amounts to de facto annexation.
Broader policy changes
Settlement approvals have accelerated significantly in recent years.
According to the report, Israel approved a record 54 new settlements during 2025, bringing the total to 103 following the latest announcement.
Earlier this year, Israel also transferred greater administrative authority over parts of the West Bank from military administration to civilian ministries, introduced procedures for registering additional land as state property, and allowed Israeli citizens to purchase land directly within the territory.
Violence remains high
The settlement expansion comes amid continuing violence across the West Bank following the outbreak of the Gaza war in 2023.
According to figures cited from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), attacks involving Israeli settlers have more than doubled since 2022, contributing to the displacement of numerous Palestinian communities.
Israeli human rights organisation B'Tselem has also reported that more than 230 Palestinian children have been killed during Israeli military operations and settler violence since 2023.
Public opinion divided
Israeli opinion remains divided over settlement policy.
A survey conducted by the Jewish People Policy Institute in March 2025 found that a majority of Jewish Israelis viewed settlements as strengthening national security, while a substantial minority regarded them as a strategic liability.
Among Arab Israelis, most respondents considered continued settlement expansion to be a burden rather than an asset.
Does This Affect New Zealand?
New Zealand has consistently supported a negotiated two-state solution and has generally regarded Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory as contrary to international law, reflecting long-standing United Nations Security Council resolutions and successive New Zealand governments' foreign policy positions.
Continued settlement expansion has implications beyond the Middle East. It affects international diplomacy, global security, humanitarian policy and the rules-based international order that smaller nations such as New Zealand rely upon. As tensions continue, New Zealand will likely face ongoing diplomatic decisions through the United Nations and other multilateral forums regarding recognition, humanitarian assistance and regional stability.
Related Links
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announcement (X):
https://x.com/bezalelsm/status/2077045602743959795
Source
Original Article: RT — Israel steps up West Bank annexation drive
Independent reporting. Original context. Credited sources.