May 29, 2025 – Israel announced on Thursday its intention to establish 22 new Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank. This includes both new settlements and the legalisation of previously unauthorized outposts.
The West Bank, captured by Israel during the 1967 Middle East war, is home to over 400,000 Israeli settlers and approximately 2.6 million Palestinians. The Palestinians seek the West Bank as the core territory for a future independent state.
The decision to expand settlements is controversial, as it complicates peace negotiations and is viewed by much of the international community as an obstacle to a two-state solution. Legalisation of outposts that were constructed without official government approval further intensifies the dispute over land rights and sovereignty in the region.
The announcement comes amidst ongoing tensions and signifies a significant move by Israel in asserting its control over the contested territory.
