JERUSALEM — Israeli ministers announced plans to expand Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank and said they intend to establish new settlements in Gaza, prompting renewed international criticism and condemnation from Palestinian officials, who said the moves would further undermine prospects for a negotiated two-state solution.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Defense Minister Israel Katz said the proposals formed part of a broader strategy to strengthen Israel's presence in territories captured in the 1967 Middle East war. Smotrich said previously approved government funding would support the establishment of dozens of new settlements in the West Bank, while Katz outlined plans for new Nahal settlement outposts in northern Gaza.
Earlier this week, Israel's security cabinet approved about 1.3 billion shekels (roughly $434 million) for the establishment of 34 new settlements in the West Bank, according to government officials. Israeli authorities said additional funding would be directed toward roads and other infrastructure supporting the expansion.
Most countries, the United Nations and the European Union consider Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank to be illegal under international law, a position Israel disputes. Israeli governments have argued that settlement activity is consistent with their legal interpretation and serves national security interests.
The Palestinian Authority condemned the latest announcements, saying further settlement expansion would entrench Israel's control over occupied territory and reduce the viability of a future Palestinian state. Palestinian officials have repeatedly called on the international community to pressure Israel to halt settlement construction.
The European Union reiterated its opposition to Israeli settlement expansion, urging Israel to refrain from additional settlements, legalization of outposts, land appropriation, demolitions and other unilateral measures that it said threaten the possibility of a negotiated two-state solution.
The Gaza proposals come as debate continues within Israel over the enclave's future following months of conflict. Israel withdrew its settlements and military forces from Gaza in 2005, and no Israeli civilian settlements currently exist there. Officials have not announced a timetable for implementing the new Gaza plans, and it remains unclear whether they have received final government approval.
The announcements add to mounting diplomatic pressure surrounding Israel's settlement policy as fighting and political tensions continue across the region. No further official decisions on the Gaza settlement proposals had been confirmed as of Saturday.
