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ConflictsIsrael

Israeli Finance Minister threatens West Bank takeover

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Lisa Ellis
August 14, 2025

Israel's far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced a contentious settlement construction in the Israel-occupied West Bank. He says the move is a reaction to plans by several countries to recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly.

Israel plans to build more than 3,000 new homes in the controversial Maale Adumim settlement in the West Bank, a move critics say could block the creation of a Palestinian state. The construction in the E1 area would split the West Bank and isolate East Jerusalem. While previously frozen due to international pressure, the revived plan has sparked strong opposition from Palestinians and global actors, who view it as a threat to peace efforts.

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