Israel Approves Construction of 1,516 Housing Units in West Bank Settlements

Israel's High Planning Council has approved the construction of 1,516 new housing units in various West Bank locations, including the Jordan Valley. The decision, which took place on Thursday, September 3, 2026, was advanced by Finance Minister and Minister in the Defense Ministry Betzalel Smotrich, who oversees civilian affairs in the settlements.

The new construction plans encompass several settlements and outposts, such as Ma'oz Tzvi near Jenin, Eli-Zahav, Talmon near Ramallah, and Ma'ale Amos in the Bethlehem area. In addition to the housing units, the measures include the full administrative legalization and organization of three additional settlement outposts.

Minister Smotrich stated that advancing these plans is of strategic importance for Israel's stability and security. He emphasized that Israel is expanding its presence not just in words but in deeds, working to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state. Critics and Palestinian officials have repeatedly argued that such actions undermine prospects for conflict resolution and amount to de facto annexation of disputed territories.