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Israel's defense cabinet has given its endorsement to the recognition of 19 additional outposts in the contested Palestinian territories, representing a ongoing campaign for settlement expansion.

Hardline Treasury Chief Bezalel Smotrich, a settler who advocated for the measure alongside Defence Minister Israel Katz, declared that the approval was intended for blocking the formation of a Palestinian state.

Under international law, Israeli settlements in the disputed territories are considered illegal.

The move has drawn criticism from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has commented that Israel's "relentless" growth of communities exacerbates tensions, limits Palestinian use of land, and jeopardizes the feasibility of a independent Palestinian state.

Rising Unrest and Political Fallout

Unrest in the region has escalated since the hostilities in the Gaza Strip started in the autumn of 2023, adding to apprehensions that the growth of communities could entrench the Israeli presence and damage the chance for a two-state solution.

The concept of two states envisions the formation of a State of Palestine in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem as its capital, broadly along the borders that were in place prior to the 1967 Arab-Israeli war.

Since taking office in 2022, the present Israeli government has significantly increased the green-lighting of fresh communities and started the process of legalization for previously illegal settler outposts, classifying them as "extensions" of established communities.

Ongoing Expansion

The latest decision brings the cumulative figure of communities recognized over the past three years to 69, as stated by Smotrich.

These authorizations are announced a short time after the United Nations said that construction in settlements had reached its highest level since the year 2017.

The newest round of approvals includes the revival of a pair of communities — Ganim and Kadim — which were removed nearly two decades ago.

Previously, the Israeli government gave the nod to twenty-two additional settlements in the occupied West Bank - described as the largest wave of approvals in many years.

In a related development, the government also approved blueprints in August to erect more than 3,000 residences in the controversial E1 corridor between the capital and the Maale Adumim settlement, a project that had been on hold for many years amid fierce international opposition.

Regarding that plan, Smotrich said it would "end the idea of a Palestinian state."

Demographic Realities and Global Reactions

Roughly seven hundred thousand settlers dwell in about one hundred and sixty settlements in the occupied territories, as per data from the Israel-based anti-settlement group Peace Now. This is land that the Palestinian people seek for a prospective sovereign nation.

Settlement expansion has angered Arab states who have repeatedly said it harms hopes for a two-state solution.

It has furthermore raised anxieties about the possible formal annexation of the occupied West Bank.

Ex- American President Donald Trump had previously admonished Israel about this step, stating to TIME magazine that Israel would lose all its support from the United States if it happened.

In a policy change, the UK - along with other countries such as Australia and Canada - recognised a State of Palestine, a major although largely symbolic change in government policy.

Israel was against the move, with PM Benjamin Netanyahu saying that a sovereign Palestine "will not happen."