Israel Approves 13 New West Bank Settlements and Mulls Gaza Colonies

Israel’s Security Cabinet approved a plan to establish 13 new settlements in the central occupied West Bank, specifically in the Binyamin region along Route 60. The first phase, expected to begin in the coming months, will see four to six new settlements built and several existing outposts legalized, with government funding of millions of shekels. Israeli officials say the scheme is designed to link settlement blocs, tighten control over strategic hilltops and restrict Palestinian territorial continuity, a move described by the Jerusalem governorate as “creating new geographical realities on the ground.” Palestinians warn the expansion will further fragment the West Bank, isolate East Jerusalem and undermine the prospect of a geographically contiguous Palestinian state, noting that settlements are considered illegal under international law.

Separately, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced that his ministry has prepared plans for three new Jewish settlements in northern Gaza, pending a green light from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu, when asked about Gaza settlements, replied, “The question is whether you prefer to do or to talk,” indicating the possibility of settlement activity in the war‑torn enclave. Critics label the proposals as part of an ethnic‑cleansing agenda and stress that any settlement expansion in Gaza would further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis already caused by the conflict.