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The nation's top security body has formally approved the establishment of nineteen additional communities in the disputed Palestinian territories, representing a continued drive for territorial growth.

Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a settler who put forward the step alongside Defence Minister Israel Katz, stated that the decision was aimed at preventing the creation of a Palestinian state.

Under international law, Jewish communities in the disputed territories are considered illegal.

The move has sparked censure from Saudi Arabia. The United Nations chief Antonio Guterres has said that Israel's "relentless" growth of communities fuels tensions, restricts Palestinians' use of land, and threatens the prospects of a independent Palestine.

Escalating Tensions and Diplomatic Fallout

Clashes in the region has increased sharply since the conflict in the Gaza Strip began in October 2023, further heightening concerns that settlement expansion could solidify Israel's occupation and weaken the prospects for a two-state solution.

The concept of two states involves the creation of a State of Palestine in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem as its seat of government, broadly along the lines that existed before the 1967 Six-Day Middle East war.

Since coming to power in late 2022, the current government in Jerusalem has greatly accelerated the approval of new settlements and initiated the process of legalization for unauthorised outposts, recognising them as "suburbs" of established communities.

Sustained Growth

The most recent decision takes the overall count of settlements approved over the preceding 36 months to sixty-nine, according to the Finance Minister.

These authorizations come a short time after the UN said that settlement expansion had hit its highest level since 2017.

The most recent round of approvals encompasses the rebuilding of two settlements — Ganim and Kadim — which were dismantled nearly 20 years ago.

In a previous move, Israel gave the nod to 22 additional settlements in the occupied West Bank - labeled as the most significant wave of approvals in decades.

Furthermore, the government also approved blueprints in August to build in excess of 3,000 homes in the controversial E1 corridor between the capital and the Maale Adumim settlement, a project that had been on hold for decades amid fierce international condemnation.

At that time, Smotrich stated it would "end the notion of a Palestinian state."

Demographic Facts and Global Response

Approximately seven hundred thousand Israeli settlers live in about one hundred and sixty communities in the occupied territories, according to the Israel-based anti-settlement group Peace Now. This is land that Palestinians envision for a future independent state.

Settlement expansion has angered Arab nations who have steadfastly said it harms chances for a two-state solution.

It has furthermore sparked concerns about the possible formal annexation of the occupied West Bank.

Ex- American President Donald Trump had once warned Israel about this step, stating to TIME magazine that the country would lose its backing from the US if it happened.

In a policy change, the UK - together with other countries including Australia and Canada - recognised a Palestinian state, a significant although largely symbolic adjustment in foreign policy.

The Israeli government opposed this recognition, with PM Benjamin Netanyahu declaring that a Palestinian state "is off the table."