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Israel's security cabinet has given its endorsement to the recognition of 19 fresh settlements in the occupied West Bank, representing a continued drive for territorial growth.

Far-right Treasury Chief Bezalel Smotrich, who lives in a settlement and proposed the step in concert with Defense Chief Israel Katz, asserted that the decision was intended for blocking the formation of a Palestinian state.

Under international law, Israeli settlements in the disputed territories are viewed as in violation of international law.

The move has sparked criticism from Saudi Arabia. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said that Israel's "unceasing" growth of communities heightens tensions, curtails Palestinian access to territory, and undermines the prospects of a sovereign Palestinian state.

Increased Tensions and Political Repercussions

Clashes in the region has surged since the war in Gaza started in the autumn of 2023, adding to fears that the growth of communities could solidify the Israeli presence and damage the prospects for a two-state solution.

The two-state solution envisions the formation of a State of Palestine in the Palestinian territories, with East Jerusalem as its seat of government, largely along the lines that existed before the 1967 Six-Day Arab-Israeli war.

Upon assuming leadership in late 2022, the present government in Jerusalem has significantly increased the approval of fresh communities and initiated the legalisation process for previously illegal settler outposts, classifying them as "neighbourhoods" of existing communities.

Sustained Growth

The most recent decision takes the cumulative figure of settlements approved over the last three years to 69, according to Minister Smotrich.

These decisions arrive a short time after the United Nations reported that construction in settlements had hit its peak since the year 2017.

The latest round of approvals encompasses the rebuilding of two communities — Ganim and Kadim — which were dismantled almost 20 years ago.

Earlier this year, the Israeli government gave the nod to 22 additional settlements in the territories - what was the largest expansion in many years.

Additionally, the Israeli government also approved blueprints last summer to erect in excess of 3,000 residences in the so-called E1 corridor between the capital and the Maale Adumim community, a plan that had been stalled for decades amid strong international objection.

On that occasion, the Finance Minister stated it would "end the idea of a Palestinian state."

Population Facts and Global Response

Roughly 700,000 Israeli settlers reside in about one hundred and sixty communities in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, according to the Israeli monitoring organization Peace Now. This is land that the Palestinian people envision for a future independent state.

Settlement expansion has angered neighboring countries who have repeatedly said it undermines hopes for a peaceful two-state outcome.

It has also raised concerns about the possible formal annexation of the disputed territories.

Former American President Donald Trump had once warned the Israeli leadership about this step, stating to a publication that Israel would forfeit all its support from the US if it happened.

In a policy change, the United Kingdom - together with other nations including Australia and Canada - formally recognized a State of Palestine, a notable although largely symbolic change in official stance.

The Israeli government strongly rejected this step, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declaring that a Palestinian state "will not happen."