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The nation's defense cabinet has formally approved the establishment of nineteen fresh communities in the disputed Palestinian territories, representing a sustained push for territorial growth.

Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who lives in a settlement and put forward the step together with Defence Minister Israel Katz, declared that the decision was aimed at blocking the formation of a Palestinian state.

It is important to note that Israeli settlements in the disputed territories are viewed as illegal.

The move has drawn censure from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said that Israel's "persistent" settlement expansion exacerbates tensions, limits Palestinian access to land, and undermines the prospects of a independent Palestine.

Increased Unrest and Diplomatic Fallout

Violence in the region has surged since the conflict in the Gaza Strip began in October 2023, intensifying apprehensions that the growth of communities could deepen Israel's occupation and weaken the prospects for a peaceful resolution based on two states.

The concept of two states refers to the formation of a State of Palestine in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with Jerusalem's eastern sector as its capital, largely along the borders that existed prior to the 1967 Arab-Israeli war.

Since taking office in late 2022, the current Israeli government has significantly increased the authorization of new settlements and initiated the process of legalization for previously illegal outposts, classifying them as "neighbourhoods" of existing communities.

Sustained Growth

The latest decision pushes the cumulative figure of settlements recognized over the past three years to 69, per the figures from the Finance Minister.

These decisions come a short time after the United Nations said that construction in settlements had attained its peak since 2017.

The most recent batch of approvals includes the revival of a pair of settlements — Ganim and Kadim — which were dismantled about in 2005.

Previously, Israel gave the nod to twenty-two additional communities in the territories - labeled as the biggest expansion in many years.

Additionally, the government gave the go-ahead for plans in August to construct more than 3,000 housing units in the controversial E1 corridor between Jerusalem and the Maale Adumim community, a initiative that had been stalled for many years amid fierce international objection.

At that time, the Finance Minister stated it would "put to rest the idea of a Palestinian state."

Population Realities and International Response

Roughly 700,000 settlers reside in approximately 160 settlements in the occupied territories, as per data from the Israel-based monitoring organization Peace Now. This is land that Palestinians aspire to have for a future independent state.

Settlement expansion has drawn ire from Arab states who have consistently contended it undermines chances for a peaceful two-state outcome.

It has furthermore fueled concerns about the potential incorporation of the disputed territories.

Former American President Donald Trump had previously cautioned Israel about this step, stating to TIME magazine that Israel would forfeit all its support from the United States if it occurred.

Recently, the UK - along with other nations such as Australia and Canada - recognised a State of Palestine, a notable although primarily ceremonial change in government policy.

Israel was against this recognition, with PM Benjamin Netanyahu asserting that a sovereign Palestine "is not going to occur."