Israel Approves 2,162 New Homes in West Bank Settlements, Citing Security Needs

Israel's finance minister announced on June 3 that a planning committee approved construction of 2,162 new Jewish homes in three settlements in the occupied West Bank. The approvals cover 1,006 units in a new settlement near Jerusalem, 922 units near Nablus, and 234 units near Hebron.

Bezalel Smotrich, who holds authority over parts of Israel's civilian administration in the West Bank, said the decision advances settlement construction.

"We are continuing to build the Land of Israel in practice," he stated. Smotrich said the new homes would strengthen Israel's hold on the land, reinforce security, and prevent creation of an Arab terror state. He added that sanctions imposed by Britain, France, and others would not alter Israeli policy.

Smotrich became a minister three years before the June 3 announcement. Since then he has worked to tighten Israel's control in the West Bank and has opposed the idea of a Palestinian state. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government has overseen significant expansion of Jewish settlements and the establishment of new ones.

Around 500,000 Israelis live in the West Bank among about 3 million Palestinians. S. governments.

Trump stated in September 2025 that he would not allow Israel to annex the West Bank. The United Arab Emirates has also warned against annexation. Mahmoud Abbas' office condemned the June 3 announcement.

S. " On May 19, Smotrich said he would wage "war" on the Palestinian Authority after learning that the ICC prosecutor had sought a confidential arrest warrant against him. The ICC has not confirmed that report.