The security cabinet, a key component of the broader right-wing government, has given its final nod of approval.

Recently, UN Secretary-General António Guterres criticized Israel’s ongoing settlement expansion in the occupied territories, describing the actions as “relentless.”

“Such developments further entrench the unlawful Israeli occupation, violate international law, and undermine the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination,” Guterres stated.

On December 20, 2025, Israeli soldiers imposed roadblocks and restricted the movement of Palestinians as they facilitated a raid by Israeli settlers in the Old City of Hebron, located in the southern West Bank. This action was conducted under the protection of Israeli forces.

In the West Bank, excluding East Jerusalem which was occupied and annexed by Israel in 1967, there are over 500,000 Israeli settlers living among approximately three million Palestinians.

Excluding east Jerusalem, which was occupied and annexed by Israel in 1967, more than 500,000 Israelis live in the West Bank, along with about three million Palestinian residents.

Five of the 19 settlements already existed but had not previously been granted legal status under Israeli law, the statement said.

“Israel would lose all of its support from the United States if that happened,” Trump said in a recent interview with Time magazine.