Bezalel Smotrich, Israel's finance minister, announced the start of settlement construction in the West Bank, a move condemned by Palestinians and the international community.

Israeli minister Bezalel Smotrich has said work will begin on a settlement to divide the West Bank from East Jerusalem, a move deemed illegal and threatening peace plans. The project, which will build 3,401 homes for settlers, has been condemned by the Palestinian government and international organizations, which say it will destroy the prospects of a Palestinian state. Despite the criticism, Smotrich says the measure is necessary for Israel's security. The international community, including the UN and the EU, has called on Israel to halt the project, which could aggravate tensions in the region.