‘Illegal’ – UK Condemns Israel’s Approval of 19 New Illegal West Bank Settlements

December 22, 2025 News
New illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank. (Photo: Trocaire, via Wikimedia Commons)

By Palestine Chronicle Staff  

The proposal for 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, reportedly brings the total number of new settlements over the past few years to 69.

​​The UK on Sunday condemned the Israeli government’s approval of 19 new illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank.

“The UK condemns the Israeli government’s approval of 19 new settlements in Palestine. These are illegal under international law,” Hamish Falconer, the British minister for the Middle East, said on X.

Referring to US President Donald Trump’s roadmap to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Falconer warned, “This risks undermining the 20 Point Plan and prospects for the long-term peace and security that only a two state solution can deliver.”

His remarks came after Israel’s Cabinet approved a proposal for 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, bringing the total number of new settlements over the past few years to 69, according to far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

Smotrich Emboldened

In a post on X, Smotrich said the approval was advanced with Defense Minister Israel Katz, describing it as making “history in settlement and in the State of Israel.”

“Within three years we have regulated 69 new settlements – a record like no other. The people of Israel are returning to their land, building it and strengthening their hold on it. This is simple, correct and moral Zionism,” he stated.

‘De Facto Annexation’ – Smotrich Allocates $843M to expand West Bank Settlements

The approval contravenes the landmark opinion by the International Court of Justice last July that declared Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory illegal and called for the evacuation of all settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

‘Religious Zionism’ – Dr Barghouti

Condemning the move, member of the Palestinian Legislative Council Dr Mustafa Barghouti said the “religious Zionism headed by Betsalel Smotrich, the fascist Minister of Finance , publishes a list of (69) settlements in the West Bank, some of which are new, and some that has legalized within three years is the age of the current Israeli government.”

He emphasized that “As long as the countries that support the ‘two states solution’ refuse to impose sanctions on Israel it will continue the irreversible destruction of that solution.”

‘No Military Aid’ – Sanders

Also condemning the move, US Senator Bernie Sanders said, “Netanyahu’s extremist government is supporting the violent annexation of Palestinian land in the West Bank. This is illegal and immoral, and decades of American silence have enabled it.”

He stressed, “No more military aid for Netanyahu.”

Earlier this month, Smotrich reportedly earmarked 2.7 billion shekels (about $843 million) over the next five years to expand illegal settlement activity in the occupied West Bank.

A new report by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) last month stated that in the occupied West Bank, the expansion of illegal settlements and movement restrictions continue to fragment the territory, “disrupt the economy, trade and investment, and reduce access to land, resources and markets.”

These restrictions, UNCTAD warned, affect over 3.3 million people, raising transport costs, lengthening travel times and disrupting access to markets, employment, education and health services.

(PC, Anadolu)

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