Archive · 13 Dec 2025
Israel Legalizes 19 West Bank Settlements
Israel's government has decided to make 19 settlements in the West Bank legal.
These settlements include two that were previously evacuated in 2005.
The Palestinian Authority is very upset about this decision, saying it threatens their future.
Most countries around the world consider these settlements illegal because they are built on land that Palestinians want for their own country.
Israel, however, believes it has a right to this land because of its history and religious connections.
There has been a lot of conflict recently, with Israeli settlers attacking Palestinians more than ever before.
The Israeli government has also given more guns to settlers and changed rules to make it easier for them to do what they want.
This has made the situation even more dangerous for Palestinians.
Israel's cabinet legalized 19 settlements in the occupied West Bank, including two vacated in 2005.
The move was proposed by far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Defense Minister Israel Katz.
The Palestinian Authority condemned the decision, calling it a threat to Palestinian geography and future.
Most world powers consider Israeli settlements in the West Bank illegal, while Israel disputes this.
Settler attacks on Palestinians reached record highs in October 2023, with 264 attacks recorded, and the Israeli government has taken steps to facilitate and legitimize settler violence.
- Who
- Israel's cabinet, Palestinian Authority, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Defense Minister Israel Katz
- What
- Legalization of 19 settlements in the West Bank and escalation of settler violence
- When
- Announced late on Thursday, December 11, 2023
- Where
- West Bank, Israel
- Why
- Proposed by far-right ministers, Israel claims historical and biblical ties to the land, and to facilitate settler expansion
Palestinian Authority and International Community
Israeli Government and Settlers
Legality of Settlements
Palestinian Authority and International Community
Most world powers consider Israeli settlements in the West Bank illegal under international law.
Israeli Government and Settlers
Israel disputes this, claiming historical and biblical ties to the land.
Settler Violence
Palestinian Authority and International Community
The Palestinian Authority and international observers condemn settler violence, calling for accountability and protection for Palestinians.
Israeli Government and Settlers
The Israeli government and settlers argue that their actions are necessary for security and self-defense.
- Number of Settlements Legalized
- 19
- Including Settlements Vacated in
- 2005
- Proposed by
- Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Defense Minister Israel Katz
- Palestinian Population in West Bank
- 2.7 million
- Settler Attacks in October 2023
- 264
- Forcibly Displaced Palestinians (2023-2025)
- 3,200
- New Gun Licenses Issued (2023)
- 100,000
