Israel announced Thursday that it would establish 22 settlements on the occupied West Bank, including legalization of the former post bases built without approval, DW reported.
The move is likely to further strain the tensions with its allies, who are critical of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law, and last year the UN Supreme Court called for a quick halt of construction, a ruling condemned by Israel.
The announcement says that human rights groups and prevention NGOs are heading for at least the de facto annexation of Palestinian territory.
The announcement was made by Minister Bezarel Smotlich, who is himself a settler, and Minister of War Israel Katz, who is in charge of managing the community.
“We have made historic decisions for the development of the settlement. We will renew the settlement north of Samaria, 22 new communities in Jewish and Samaria, and strengthen the eastern axis of Israel.”
“Next step: Sovereignty!” he added, “We did not take away foreign lands, we took away the heritage of our ancestors.”
(caption)
Several front posts illegally built without government permission will be officially established as settlements