Israel's Settlement Expansion in West Bank Continues Despite Palestinian Boycott.
TL;DR
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has given Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, an ultranationalist advocate of settlements, practically all control over planning approval for construction in West Bank settlements, according to a controversial resolution passed by the government. The decision also expedites and eases the process for expanding existing West Bank settlements and retroactively legalizing some illegal outposts. Settlement leaders praised the move, while opponents warned it would allow for unchecked expansion of the settlements and constituted further “de facto annexation” of the West Bank.
Topics:nationpolitics#benjamin-netanyahu#bezalel-smotrich#palestinian-territories#politics#settlement-expansion#west-bank-settlements
- Netanyahu hands Smotrich full authority to expand existing settlements The Times of Israel
- Israel to ramp up settlement expansion in occupied West Bank Al Jazeera English
- Israel Eases West Bank Settlement Rules, Clearing Way for New Homes The New York Times
- Palestinians to boycott economic summit with Israel following settlement move The Times of Israel
- Israel set to approve thousands of building permits in West Bank Reuters
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