Israel Approves 567 New Housing Units in West Bank Settlements

Israel's High Planning Council has approved the advancement and validation of 567 new housing units in the West Bank settlements of Asa'el and Beit Hagai. Of the total, 342 units will be built in Asa'el, which has now been officially recognized after years of effort. An additional 225 units will be constructed in Beit Hagai, a move expected to double the settlement's size.

The decision, which includes two planning programs, places particular emphasis on Asa'el. The approval of the plan for 342 housing units in Asa'el formally regularizes the settlement within planning procedures.

Finance Minister and Minister of Defense Bezalel Smotrich praised the decision, calling it "very important news for the settlement enterprise." He contrasted the current government's actions with a previous government he characterized as seeking to "destroy and establish a Palestinian state." Smotrich stated, "We are regulating the settlement of Asa'el and doubling Beit Hagai. Not with words but with deeds." He pledged to continue promoting construction and regularization in the West Bank, asserting, "We will continue to lead a broad momentum of construction and regulation because this land belongs to us."

Eliyram Azulai, head of the Hebron Regional Council, also described the decision as a "historic announcement for the settlement enterprise in the Hebron region." He added that the approval of the housing units and the regularization of Asa'el and expansion of Beit Hagai provide a clear response to those who challenge Israeli presence in the area.