'Israeli' cabinet secretly approves 34 new settlements in West Bank

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Palestine

'Israeli' cabinet approves largest single settlement expansion in the West Bank.
Move intensifies land seizures, demolitions, and attacks on Palestinians.

'Israeli' media reported that the Security and Political Cabinet (the “cabinet”) secretly approved 34 new settlements across the occupied West Bank.

The decision marks the largest single expansion in one cabinet session. Combined with previous approvals for 69 settlements, the total now rises to 103. The cabinet imposed strict secrecy to avoid US pressure, particularly after warnings from US President Donald Trump over annexation.

Military concerns

The 'Israeli' army reportedly raised concerns over limited manpower. Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir suggested implementing the plan gradually to ensure security, but the full plan was approved despite his reservations.

Ongoing land seizure and demolitions

Since February 2026, 'Israeli' authorities have seized Palestinian lands in Area C, registering them as “state property” for the first time since 1967. Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics data show that in 2025, 'Israel' confiscated over 5,571 dunams, issued 94 seizure orders for 2,609 dunams, and three expropriation orders totaling 1,731 dunams.

In the same year, 'Israel' demolished about 1,400 Palestinian structures, including 258 in Jerusalem, issuing 991 demolition orders for “lack of permits.”

Impact on Palestinians

The United Nations has repeatedly declared settlement expansion illegal under international law, warning it undermines the two-state solution. Palestinians continue to resist displacement, while settlers reportedly committed around 4,723 attacks in 2025, killing 14 and displacing 1,090 from Bedouin communities.

Since October 2023, 'Israeli' operations in the West Bank—including killings, demolitions, and settlement expansion—have caused over 1,147 Palestinian deaths, nearly 11,750 injuries, and about 22,000 arrests, alongside the ongoing war on Gaza.