Controversy Surrounds Israeli Settlement Planning in West Bank

Israel's government has given a pro-settlement minister control over planning in the occupied West Bank and lifted red tape on the settlement housing approval process, making it easier for Israel to expand its settlements on land the Palestinians seek as the heartland of their future state. The move has been criticized by the US and the Palestinian Foreign Ministry, who called upon the international community to pressure Israel to stop its illegal unilateral measures. The decision also removes the need for approvals from the political echelon throughout the planning process, requiring only one initial approval.