Israeli Settlement Expansion Surges Nearly 50% Under Current Government

Israel has approved a sharp rise in new settlement construction in the occupied West Bank. Official data shows the number of settlements has increased by almost 50% since the current far-right government took power. International law considers all such settlements illegal. This rapid expansion deepens Israeli control over land where Palestinians hope to build a future state. It also challenges international efforts to restart peace negotiations. The settlements are communities built by Israel on territory it captured in the 1967 war. Most world powers view them as a major obstacle to peace. The Israeli government supports settlement growth as a historical and security right. Palestinian leaders condemn the construction as land theft.