International Condemnation Mounts Over West Bank Settlements
Fourteen nations, including France, have jointly condemned Israel's recent approval of 19 new Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank. The collective statement, released on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, asserts that these actions 'violate international law and risk fuelling instability' in the region.
The condemnation follows Israel's security cabinet's decision on Sunday, December 21, 2025, to greenlight the new construction. The signatory countries called on Israel 'to reverse this decision, as well as the expansion of settlements,' in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2334.
Details of the Settlement Expansion
The Israeli government's approval encompasses 11 entirely new settlements and the retroactive legalization of eight previously unauthorized outposts or neighborhoods within existing settlements. This latest move brings the total number of settlements approved during the current government's tenure to 69, and the overall number of settlements in the West Bank to 210, a significant increase from 141 in 2022, according to the anti-settlement watchdog Peace Now.
Among the settlements legalized are Kadim and Ganim, which were previously dismantled in 2005 as part of Israel's disengagement plan. Other newly recognized settlements include Kida, Esh Kodesh, and Givat Harel. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a vocal proponent of settlement expansion, stated that the decision was aimed at preventing the establishment of a Palestinian state.
International Law and Regional Stability Concerns
The international community largely considers Israeli settlements in the West Bank illegal under international law. The joint statement from the 14 nations highlighted that such 'unilateral actions' not only breach international law but also 'risk undermining the implementation of the comprehensive plan for Gaza amid efforts to progress to phase 2 and harming prospects for long-term peace and security across the region.'
The United Nations has previously reported that the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank has reached its highest level since at least 2017. In response to the international outcry, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar rejected the condemnation, asserting that 'foreign governments will not restrict the right of Jews to live in the land of Israel.'
Call for a Two-State Solution
The 14 condemning nations, which include Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and the United Kingdom alongside France, reaffirmed their 'unwavering commitment to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution,' emphasizing that 'there is no alternative to a negotiated two-state solution' where Israel and Palestine coexist in peace and security.
5 Comments
Eugene Alta
The two-state solution is the only viable path. Settlements actively undermine it.
Noir Black
Many nations condemn these actions, but without a clear, actionable path for both sides to achieve security and statehood, this cycle of expansion and condemnation will likely continue. More than just statements are needed.
Katchuka
These actions are clearly destabilizing the region. Glad to see strong pushback.
Loubianka
Finally, the world is speaking up! This expansion is unacceptable and illegal.
BuggaBoom
These nations always side against Israel. It's a predictable and unfair attack.