The Israeli government has decided to legalize 34 settlements in the West Bank

The organization Peace Now announced that the Israeli government approved on April 1 the legalization of 34 settlements in the West Bank, but avoided publishing the information to not upset the USA in the context of tensions with Iran. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his security cabinet made this decision, despite warnings from the Chief of Staff of the army, Eyal Zamir, who highlighted the risks of escalating violence from the settlers.

Of the 34 settlements, 10 are already existing outposts, and 24 are new settlements, all located in Area C of the West Bank. This decision adds to the 68 settlements approved by the current government since 2022, increasing the total number to 102.

Peace Now argues that the expansion of settlements undermines the possibility of a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and severely affects security. Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967, and the international community considers the settlements illegal under international law.