Palestinian and international observers view West Bank settlements as illegal under international law and as a major obstacle to a Palestinian state, a stance echoed amid ongoing U.S.-backed discussions about a pathway to statehood and Gaza ceasefire considerations.

The West Bank hosts more than 700,000 Jewish settlers among about 3 million Palestinians, a dynamic the UN says undermines the viability of a two-state peace.

Internationally, settlements are widely regarded as illegal under international law, a context frequently cited in analyses of such approvals.

Official communications cited by AFP indicated the decision was made by the security cabinet.

Separately, the article reports U.S. military actions in Syria in response to a deadly attack on U.S. soldiers, including strikes on Islamic State targets described by U.S. officials as a significant retaliatory measure.

Additional background or follow-up information was indicated as forthcoming.

The piece covers Gaza peace efforts under the Trump administration’s plan, including humanitarian aid, exhumation of hostages’ bodies, a partial troop withdrawal, and security arrangements, with discussions on a transitional peace council and Hamas disarmament.

Two of the planned settlements were reported to potentially arise on areas evacuated or cleared during the 2005 withdrawal, according to initial reports.

Initial reports claimed the Security Cabinet approved 19 settlements, but official confirmation came only after Smotrich’s post.

Prior reports suggested the cabinet approved settlements, though government confirmation was pending at the time.

The expansion is set against the Gaza war since 2023 and shows bipartisan continuity in settlement policy across Israeli governments.

Israel’s government is led by far-right figures who oversee security forces and advocate settlement expansion, shaping policy directions.