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The nation's defense cabinet has formally approved the formalization of nineteen additional communities in the disputed Palestinian territories, marking a ongoing push for settlement expansion.

Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who lives in a settlement and advocated for the measure alongside Defense Chief Israel Katz, stated that the move was aimed at blocking the formation of a Palestinian state.

According to global statutes, Jewish communities in the disputed territories are considered in violation of international law.

The decision has drawn criticism from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has commented that Israel's "unceasing" growth of communities heightens tensions, limits Palestinian use of land, and threatens the prospects of a independent Palestinian state.

Increased Tensions and Diplomatic Fallout

Clashes in the region has increased sharply since the conflict in Gaza erupted in October 2023, adding to concerns that the growth of communities could deepen Israel's occupation and weaken the possibility for a two-state solution.

The concept of two states envisions the establishment of a State of Palestine in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with Jerusalem's eastern sector as its capital, broadly along the borders that were in place prior to the 1967 Middle East war.

Since coming to power in 2022, the incumbent government in Jerusalem has significantly increased the authorization of fresh communities and begun the legalisation process for previously illegal outposts, designating them as "neighbourhoods" of existing settlements.

Ongoing Expansion

The latest decision takes the cumulative figure of communities recognized over the preceding 36 months to 69, according to Minister Smotrich.

These approvals are announced only a few days after the UN stated that settlement expansion had reached its most intense pace since the year 2017.

The latest batch of approvals encompasses the revival of two communities — Ganim and Kadim — which were dismantled about 20 years ago.

Previously, the Israeli government gave the nod to 22 additional settlements in the territories - described as the biggest wave of approvals in many years.

In a related development, the Israeli government gave the go-ahead for blueprints last summer to construct more than 3,000 housing units in the so-called E1 corridor between Jerusalem and the Maale Adumim community, a plan that had been on hold for decades amid strong international objection.

At that time, Smotrich remarked it would "bury the idea of a Palestinian state."

Demographic Realities and International Reactions

Approximately 700,000 settlers dwell in about 160 communities in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, according to the Israel-based monitoring organization Peace Now. This is territory that Palestinians seek for a prospective sovereign nation.

Settlement expansion has angered neighboring countries who have consistently said it undermines chances for a two-state solution.

It has furthermore raised concerns about the potential annexing of the occupied West Bank.

Former US President Donald Trump had previously cautioned the Israeli leadership about such a move, telling a publication that the country would lose all its support from the US if it occurred.

In a policy change, the UK - along with other nations such as Australia and Canada - recognised a State of Palestine, a notable although primarily ceremonial adjustment in foreign policy.

The Israeli government opposed this step, with PM Benjamin Netanyahu asserting that a sovereign Palestine "is off the table."