Formation of 22 West Bank settlements declared by Israel

Israel declared on May 29th the formation of 22 occupied West Bank settlements, potentially heightening friction with foreign nations, according to Al-Monitor via AFP.

Israeli West Bank settlements have faced ongoing criticism from the UN for violating international law. Reportedly, the settlements are viewed as one of the key barriers to sustaining peace between Israel and Palestine.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud Party said the development was a “once-in-a-generation decision.” He said he move had been spearheaded by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Defence Minister Israel Katz. Netanyahu’s government is the most right-wing one Israel has had to date.

Al-Monitor via AFP