West Bank settlers expand outposts into Palestinian Authority areas

An investigation by Haaretz reports that Israeli settlers are increasingly expanding their control into Area B territories of the West Bank, which are under Palestinian Authority civil administration. According to the report, at least 30 settlement outposts have been established in areas under Palestinian control over the last two and a half years.

Most of these outposts are located in Area B, with one identified in Area A. These sites are reportedly placed in strategic locations to obstruct Palestinian construction and movement. The investigation suggests these activities occur with the cooperation of the Israeli military and support from elected officials. While settlement expansion in Areas A and B was non-existent following the Oslo Accords until 2024, the current government under Benjamin Netanyahu has seen a shift toward establishing outposts on the borders of Area C and moving deeper into Palestinian-controlled lands.

Research organizations have identified approximately ten outposts in areas previously designated as nature reserves or transferred to the Palestinian Authority through political agreements. The report notes that these outposts, once considered marginal, are becoming normalized through rapid growth and regular visits from government coalition members.