Israel's government has approved 22 new Jewish settlements in the occupied-West Bank, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said on Thursday, a move that could deepen divisions with some allies, who have threatened sanctions over further expansion.
Israel approved a large expansion of Jewish settlements in the West Bank on Thursday in an effort to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Israel has confirmed it will establish 22 new settlements in the occupied West Bank. The settlements, which are illegal under international law, will include outposts already built without the permission of the Israeli government.