In a statement that has drawn international attention, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich asserted that the United States supports the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank. This claim was made during an interview with The Jerusalem Post, reflecting ongoing developments in the region.
Minister Smotrich pointed to activity from the previous year as evidence of momentum. In 2025, his office announced that plans for over 51,000 housing units intended for Israeli residents had been approved for deposit in the West Bank. This figure underscores a significant level of settlement-related planning and construction.
The minister's comments highlight the continuing debate over settlement policies, which remain a central and contentious issue in the broader context of Middle East peace efforts. The assertion of U.S. backing, if accurate, could signal a shift in the diplomatic landscape surrounding this long-standing dispute.
Reference(s):
Israeli minister says US backs West Bank settlement expansion
cgtn.com
