Israeli politician Smotrich unveils plan for 2,162 new homes in West Bank

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has announced plans to construct 2,162 new homes in the occupied West Bank, including 1,006 units in a new settlement near Jerusalem and 922 near Nablus. The announcement was made on Wednesday.

According to Smotrich, the construction of these new homes is part of Israel’s efforts to “strengthen our hold on the land” and “reinforce Israel’s security”. The minister stated that this would help establish clear facts on the ground, preventing the creation of an Arab terror state in the region.

The Palestinian President’s office has condemned the decision, warning that Israel’s policies are pushing the region towards more violence. The United States has been called upon to intervene and stop what is described as “provocative” Israeli actions.

Under international law, the construction of settlements in the occupied West Bank is considered illegal. Smotrich has faced sanctions from several countries, including the UK and France, which accuse him of inciting violence against Palestinians. The minister has denied that the sanctions will change Israel’s policy.

In recent developments, Israeli forces have delivered demolition notices to shops in Bazariya, a town northwest of Nablus, as part of a planned road construction project. Meanwhile, settlers have stormed the village of Deir Sudan, accompanied by bulldozers, to seize control of the area.

Source: Al Jazeera