Israel's security cabinet grants recognition of independence to 13 West Bank settlements

Israel's security cabinet has approved a plan to separate 13 Jewish settlements in the Israeli-occupied West Bank from their neighboring communities, according to Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.  

Smotrich announced on X that these settlements will eventually be recognized as independent. The decision follows the approval of tens of thousands of housing units across the West Bank.  

"We continue to lead a revolution of normalization and regulation in the settlements. Instead of hiding and apologizing – we raise the flag, build, and settle. This is another important step on the path to actual sovereignty in Judea and Samaria," Smotrich stated, using Israel's term for the West Bank.  

Israel's opposition to relinquishing control of the West Bank has intensified due to security concerns, particularly following the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas-led militants. The Israeli military describes its actions in the West Bank as counter-terrorism operations targeting suspected militants.  

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry criticized the decision, calling it a violation of international legitimacy and resolutions. Hamas condemned the move, describing it as an attempt to entrench Israeli occupation on Palestinian land.  

Approximately 700,000 Israeli settlers reside among 2.7 million Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, areas captured by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War. Most countries consider these settlements illegal, while Israel disputes this, citing historical and biblical connections to the land.  

Smotrich, leader of the far-right Religious Zionism party and a key member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, has long advocated for Israeli sovereignty in the West Bank. He noted that the 13 settlements were previously considered part of larger communities, creating administrative difficulties.  

"Recognizing each as an independent settlement is an important step that will significantly aid their growth and development," Smotrich said.