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The nation's security cabinet has formally approved the establishment of 19 new outposts in the disputed West Bank, representing a continued push for territorial growth.

Hardline Treasury Chief Bezalel Smotrich, who lives in a settlement and advocated for the step in concert with Defense Chief Israel Katz, declared that the decision was about blocking the establishment of a sovereign Palestine.

Under international law, Jewish communities in the occupied West Bank are deemed in violation of international law.

The decision has sparked condemnation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The United Nations chief Antonio Guterres has commented that Israel's "persistent" settlement expansion heightens frictions, restricts Palestinians' access to territory, and jeopardizes the viability of a sovereign Palestine.

Rising Tensions and Political Fallout

Clashes in the occupied West Bank has escalated since the hostilities in the Gaza Strip began in October 2023, intensifying fears that the growth of communities could solidify Israel's occupation and undermine the chance for a two-state solution.

The two-state solution envisions the formation of a State of Palestine in the Palestinian territories, with Jerusalem's eastern sector as its capital, broadly along the lines that were in place before the 1967 Arab-Israeli war.

Since coming to power in late 2022, the present government in Jerusalem has significantly increased the authorization of fresh communities and initiated the formal recognition for previously illegal outposts, designating them as "neighbourhoods" of established communities.

Ongoing Growth

The most recent decision takes the cumulative figure of communities authorized over the past three years to 69, per the figures from Smotrich.

These decisions are announced a short time after the United Nations stated that settlement expansion had reached its highest level since the year 2017.

The newest group of authorizations encompasses the rebuilding of two settlements — Ganim and Kadim — which were evacuated about 20 years ago.

In a previous move, the Israeli government approved 22 additional communities in the occupied West Bank - described as the biggest expansion in many years.

Furthermore, the government also approved projects in August to erect over 3,000 residences in the controversial E1 corridor between the capital and the Maale Adumim settlement, a plan that had been stalled for decades amid intense global objection.

Regarding that plan, the Finance Minister stated it would "put to rest the concept of a Palestinian state."

Demographic Realities and International Reactions

Approximately 700,000 Israeli settlers live in around 160 communities in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, as per data from the Israeli anti-settlement group Peace Now. This is territory that Palestinians aspire to have for a future sovereign nation.

Settlement expansion has provoked Arab nations who have steadfastly said it undermines hopes for a two-state solution.

It has furthermore fueled concerns about the possible formal annexation of the disputed territories.

Ex- US President Donald Trump had previously warned the Israeli leadership about this step, telling a publication that the country would lose its backing from the US if it happened.

In a policy change, the United Kingdom - joined by other nations such as Australia and Canada - recognised a Palestinian state, a significant although largely symbolic adjustment in government policy.

Israel was against the move, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying that a Palestinian state "is off the table."