Over 100 Illegal Outposts Established in West Bank This Year, Report Finds

More than 100 illegal outposts have been established in the West Bank since the beginning of 2026, according to monitoring by the Peace Now movement and the Kerem Navot organization. This figure surpasses the record numbers of the previous two years, with 97 new farms and outposts identified by Peace Now as of late 2026. These outposts are often established on Palestinian agricultural land, sometimes leading to the displacement of local residents and restricting their access to their property. The establishment of these outposts is frequently accompanied by violence and confrontations with Palestinians, journalists, and even IDF soldiers.

Right-wing media outlets have highlighted the establishment of new settlements, often framing them as a race against time before elections, while downplaying their illegal status. Several ministers from the outgoing government, including Bezalel Smotrich, Yariv Levin, Orit Struck, and Gila Gamliel, have attended ceremonies for some of these new outposts. The Religious Zionism party, led by Smotrich, also conducted tours of isolated settlements, including illegal outposts, during the election campaign.

Peace Now stated that these outposts are the "initial expression of lawlessness with the blessing and support of the government." The organization added that the establishment of hundreds of outposts is a "sure formula for more confrontations, friction, and violence." Dror Etkes, CEO of Kerem Navot, described the link between outpost establishment and violence as immediate, stating, "Wherever settlers arrive, terror immediately begins." The Israeli government has reportedly provided funding and resources to these outposts through various creative means, despite their illegal status.

Activists from both left and right-wing organizations estimate that the official count of 97 outposts may be an underestimate, suggesting the actual number could be higher. Many of these outposts are agricultural in nature, involving livestock and crop cultivation, and are often situated near or within Palestinian villages. The Israeli military has conducted some evacuations, but settlers frequently return and rebuild, with some outposts being dismantled and re-established dozens of times. The outgoing government, with the support of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has approved the establishment of numerous settlements, often retroactively legitimizing previously illegal outposts.