Israel intends to bolster Jewish settlements in the West Bank, following the recognition of a Palestinian state by numerous nations.
On a Sunday declaration, the Prime Minister's office announced that all suggestions for enhancing settlements, as Israel refers to them biblically as Judea and Samaria, will be deliberated during the next Security Cabinet meeting.
Countries like Norway, Ireland, Spain, and Slovenia have acknowledged an autonomous Palestinian state in the last few weeks, a decision partially spurred by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's repeated rejection of a two-state solution.
Israel's Foreign Ministry condemned this move as a reward for terrorism and predicted it would bolster Hamas.
The statement also hinted at potential retaliatory measures against the Palestinian Authority as Israel responds to their actions in international forums.
Recently, the Palestinian Authority applied to join South Africa's lawsuit against Israel at the International Court of Justice.
Israel's right-wing finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, suggested in May that Israel should greenlight 10,000 new settlements in the West Bank, set up a new settlement for every nation recognizing a Palestinian state, and revoke travel permits for Palestinian Authority officials.
However, it remains unknown if any of these extreme proposals are being contemplated in Israel at the moment.
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The Middle East situation remains a significant topic in the world, with countries like Norway, Ireland, Spain, and Slovenia recently recognizing a Palestinian state in the West Bank. This move by numerous nations has sparked responses from Israel, including the consideration of bolstering Jewish settlements in the area, referred to as Judea and Samaria by Israel.
