Japan Expresses Deep Concern Over New Israeli Settlements in West Bank

Japan Condemns Israeli Settlement Expansion

The Japanese government on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, expressed 'deep concern and regret' regarding Israel's recent decision to approve the construction of 11 new settlements and legalize eight outposts in the occupied West Bank. In a statement issued by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan emphasized that these settlement activities are 'in violation of international law and undermine the viability of a two-state solution'.

This move by Israel's security Cabinet brings the total number of approved settlements in recent years to 69, according to Israeli figures. The announcement has drawn widespread international condemnation, with a coalition of 14 countries, including Japan, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Germany, issuing a joint statement denouncing the decision.

Violation of International Law and Undermining Peace Efforts

Japan's statement reiterated its 'deep regret' over Israel's continuing settlement activities despite repeated calls from the international community. International bodies, including the United Nations (UN), the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), consistently consider Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank to be illegal under international law, specifically violating the Fourth Geneva Convention.

In a landmark advisory opinion in July 2024, the ICJ declared Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory illegal and called for the evacuation of all settlements. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has also warned that the trend of settlement expansion is 'entrenching the unlawful Israeli occupation, violating international law, and undermining the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination'.

Escalation of Settlement Activity and Broader Context

The recent approvals are part of a significant surge in settlement expansion. UN reports indicate that settlement approvals in 2024–2025 have reached their highest levels since monitoring began in 2017. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich reportedly stated that the latest approvals were aimed at preventing the 'formation of a Palestinian state'.

The Japanese government 'once again strongly urges' Israel to 'redress the decision and fully freeze its settlement activities'. This call comes amidst ongoing international efforts to stabilize the situation surrounding the Gaza Strip, with Japan emphasizing the urgency to 'refrain from actions that escalate tensions'.

Concerns Over Settler Violence and Sanctions

Beyond the settlements themselves, Japan also expressed 'serious concern' about the reported rise in settler violence committed against Palestinians. Tokyo condemned such violence and called on the Government of Israel to 'take appropriate measures promptly to prevent settler violence'. Notably, Japan has already taken sanction measures against four settlers involved in violent acts.