Israeli settlements
Israel Approves 764 New Housing Units in West Bank Settlements Despite International Opposition
Dec 11, 2025 02:54 am CST
Israel has authorized the construction of 764 new housing units across three West Bank settlements, bringing the total approvals to over 51,000 since 2022. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich frames this as strategic strengthening of Israeli presence, while international bodies continue to deem such settlements illegal under international law. Settler-related violence against Palestinians has meanwhile reached record levels.
Israeli Parliament Advances West Bank Annexation Bill Despite International Opposition
Oct 23, 2025 02:29 am CST
The Israeli parliament has taken a preliminary step toward annexing the occupied West Bank by narrowly approving a bill that would apply Israeli law to the territory. This controversial move comes despite international legal objections, US President Trump's opposition, and warnings from Arab allies including the UAE. The legislation, which still requires three additional votes to become law, passed without support from Prime Minister Netanyahu's Likud party but received backing from right-wing coalition members.
The Geographic and Political Barriers to Palestinian Statehood: Beyond Diplomatic Recognition
Sep 26, 2025 04:27 pm CST
This comprehensive analysis examines how territorial fragmentation through Israeli settlement expansion and governance challenges pose significant obstacles to establishing a viable Palestinian state, despite increasing international recognition. The article explores historical border changes, presents new satellite imagery research on settlement growth, and investigates how geographic realities are fueling cycles of violence that threaten both Palestinian sovereignty and Israeli security.
Benjamin Netanyahu On A Mission To Realise A 'Greater Israel'?
Sep 22, 2025 04:58 pm CST
Much of the world is focused on a two-state solution in resolving the long-running Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears devoted to realising his vision of a "Greater Israel" instead.
UK Expected To Recognise Palestinian State Despite US Opposition
Sep 21, 2025 07:46 pm CST
The UK is expected to recognise a Palestinian state later Sunday despite opposition from the US, after judging that Israel has not met conditions it set over the war in Gaza.