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Israel's top security body has formally approved the recognition of 19 additional settlements in the contested Palestinian territories, representing a sustained push for territorial growth.

Hardline Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a settler who proposed the measure in concert with Defence Minister Israel Katz, asserted that the decision was about preventing the formation of a sovereign Palestine.

It is important to note that Israeli settlements in the disputed territories are viewed as unlawful.

The announcement has drawn condemnation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has commented that Israel's "relentless" growth of communities heightens frictions, curtails Palestinian use of territory, and undermines the prospects of a sovereign Palestine.

Escalating Unrest and Diplomatic Repercussions

Unrest in the occupied West Bank has surged since the hostilities in Gaza started in October 2023, further heightening apprehensions that the growth of communities could solidify Israel's occupation and weaken the chance for a peaceful resolution based on two states.

The concept of two states involves the formation of a State of Palestine in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, with Jerusalem's eastern sector as its seat of government, roughly along the borders that existed before the 1967 Middle East war.

Upon assuming leadership in late 2022, the current government in Jerusalem has greatly accelerated the approval of new settlements and initiated the legalisation process for unauthorised outposts, designating them as "extensions" of existing settlements.

Ongoing Expansion

The most recent decision brings the total number of communities authorized over the last three years to 69, per the figures from Minister Smotrich.

These authorizations come just days after the United Nations reported that settlement expansion had attained its most intense pace since the year 2017.

The most recent round of approvals encompasses the re-establishment of two settlements — Ganim and Kadim — which were evacuated almost 20 years ago.

Previously, Israel approved twenty-two additional settlements in the territories - labeled as the most significant expansion in decades.

Additionally, the Israeli government also approved projects in August to build in excess of 3,000 residences in the controversial E1 area between Jerusalem and the Maale Adumim community, a project that had been on hold for many years amid fierce international condemnation.

On that occasion, Smotrich remarked it would "end the concept of a Palestinian state."

Population Realities and International Reactions

Roughly 700,000 settlers reside in about 160 settlements in the occupied territories, as per data from the Israeli anti-settlement group Peace Now. This is land that the Palestinian people seek for a prospective independent state.

Settlement expansion has provoked neighboring countries who have repeatedly contended it erodes prospects for a peaceful two-state outcome.

It has furthermore sparked concerns about the eventual incorporation of the disputed territories.

Ex- US President Donald Trump had previously warned Israel about such a move, telling TIME magazine that the country would forfeit all its support from the US if it occurred.

In a policy change, the UK - joined by other countries such as Australia and Canada - acknowledged a Palestinian state, a significant although primarily ceremonial adjustment in foreign policy.

The Israeli government opposed the move, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying that a Palestinian state "is off the table."