Fury erupts as 14 countries, including the UK, Canada, and Germany, denounce Israel's approval of 19 new West Bank settlements. Critics say these moves breach international law and risk igniting regional instability.

 

Israel pushed forward with these settlements, raising the total to 210 during the current government’s term, as announced by far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich.

 

A powerful joint statement urges Israel to reconsider, highlighting the threat to Gaza's peace efforts and the broader two-state solution. Nations like France, Italy, and Spain emphasize opposition to any form of annexation.

 

The newly sanctioned settlements include two previously evacuated areas, marking a near 50% increase under current leadership. Peace Now, an anti-settlement group, tracks these expansions closely, citing violations of international norms.

 

Despite condemnation, Israeli foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar defends the decision, labeling international objections as discriminatory.

 

 

Key Takeaways

• 19 new settlements spark international condemnation.
• Critics warn they violate international law and threaten peace.
• Israel stands firm, citing security concerns amid global outcry.

 

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Guardian 2025-12-24

 

 

 

Global outcry, nothing will be done.

Israel is a pariah state.  

14 Woketopias paying lip service is hardly a global outcry.

737,000 Israeli thieves in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. They could be of use resettling Gaza.

Where are all the pro Israeli posters defending Israel's actions?

@Evil Penevil @Hanaguma @JAG @Patong2021 nothing to say?

It sounds like an exaggeration. I'm not seeing a global outcry.

8 minutes ago, JimCM said:

Where are all the pro Israeli posters defending Israel's actions?

@Evil Penevil @Hanaguma @JAG nothing to say?

 

   You are following all three of them 

7 hours ago, unblocktheplanet said:

737,000 Israeli thieves in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. They could be of use resettling Gaza.

Gaza was just reset.

1 hour ago, JimCM said:

Where are all the pro Israeli posters defending Israel's actions?

@Evil Penevil @Hanaguma @JAG @Patong2021 nothing to say?

 

 I'm under no obligation to defend Israel every time it faces criticism.  What I write on AN is not going to make any difference to those members who hate Israel. In several earlier posts, I have tried to explain the issue of Israeli settlements on the West Bank.  I answered questions from your earlier:

 

On 12/11/2025 at 6:16 AM, JimCM said:

By your avatar, I assume you agree with all the illegal settlements in the West Bank, do you?

 

 

On 12/13/2025 at 10:30 AM, JimCM said:

I started this thread as on other threads the pro Israel people wouldn't answer on other threads, in particular @Evil Penevil

 

You can re-read the answers I gave you on those occasions.  I don't want to run afoul of the board rule on too many quote boxes.  My position on settlements hasn't changed in 12 days.

 

1 hour ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   You are following all three of them 

That is what stalkers do.

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Since it's Christmas and @JimCM asked so politely, I will,  in the spirit of Jerusalem Santa, give the first three sentences of Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar's official response to the condemnation by foreign governments of the approval of the new settlements.  You can read the full statement at the link given.

 

"Israel strongly rejects the statement issued by foreign countries regarding the Cabinet decision on settlements in Judea and Samaria. Foreign governments will not restrict the right of Jews to live in the Land of Israel, and any such call is morally wrong and discriminatory against Jews. The Cabinet decision to establish 11 new settlements and to formalize eight additional settlements is intended, among other things, to help address the security threats Israel is facing."   https://x.com/gidonsaar/status/2003942593931960603

 

And for more background, see this article on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Web site:  Israeli Settlement and International Law    https://www.gov.il/en/pages/israeli-settlement-and-international-law

 

And Jerusalem Santa says, "Merry Christmas!"

 

8 minutes ago, JAG said:

That is what stalkers do.

 

  Because of my support of Israel, I have been stalked online and IRL by far scarier types than @JimCM.

2 hours ago, Fact said:

Gaza was just reset.

What a vile comment.

31 minutes ago, Evil Penevil said:

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Since it's Christmas and @JimCM asked so politely, I will,  in the spirit of Jerusalem Santa, give the first three sentences of Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar's official response to the condemnation by foreign governments of the approval of the new settlements.  You can read the full statement at the link given.

 

"Israel strongly rejects the statement issued by foreign countries regarding the Cabinet decision on settlements in Judea and Samaria. Foreign governments will not restrict the right of Jews to live in the Land of Israel, and any such call is morally wrong and discriminatory against Jews. The Cabinet decision to establish 11 new settlements and to formalize eight additional settlements is intended, among other things, to help address the security threats Israel is facing."   https://x.com/gidonsaar/status/2003942593931960603

 

And for more background, see this article on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Web site:  Israeli Settlement and International Law    https://www.gov.il/en/pages/israeli-settlement-and-international-law

 

And Jerusalem Santa says, "Merry Christmas!"

 

Easier just to say, "I support these illegal settlements", rather than to try to justify them by quoting Israeli propaganda.

It's quite obvious reading between the lines that you have no issues with these illegal settlements and probably no issue with the Jew only roads connecting them.

1 hour ago, Evil Penevil said:

You can re-read the answers I gave you on those occasions.  I don't want to run afoul of the board rule on too many quote boxes.  My position on settlements hasn't changed in 12 days.

I can't find these posts, please post your posts not mine.

You are saying illegal settlements are legal because Israel's says so. Have you no idea how ridiculous this sounds? They are illegal, admit it!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legality_of_Israeli_settlements

8 hours ago, Evil Penevil said:

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Since it's Christmas and @JimCM asked so politely, I will,  in the spirit of Jerusalem Santa, give the first three sentences of Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar's official response to the condemnation by foreign governments of the approval of the new settlements.  You can read the full statement at the link given.

 

"Israel strongly rejects the statement issued by foreign countries regarding the Cabinet decision on settlements in Judea and Samaria. Foreign governments will not restrict the right of Jews to live in the Land of Israel, and any such call is morally wrong and discriminatory against Jews. The Cabinet decision to establish 11 new settlements and to formalize eight additional settlements is intended, among other things, to help address the security threats Israel is facing."   https://x.com/gidonsaar/status/2003942593931960603

 

And for more background, see this article on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Web site:  Israeli Settlement and International Law    https://www.gov.il/en/pages/israeli-settlement-and-international-law

 

And Jerusalem Santa says, "Merry Christmas!"

 

Very sad he's playing the Jew card, thereby saying the condemnation is anti Semitic.

1 hour ago, stevenl said:

Very sad he's playing the Jew card, thereby saying the condemnation is anti Semitic.

 

   Would you oppose the settlements if it was Muslims settling there ?

Unapproved social media removed

13 hours ago, Fact said:

Gaza was just reset.

Exactly! They could use some hardworking Israeli ingenuity to rebuild better.

2 hours ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

   Would you oppose the settlements if it was Muslims settling there ?

Effing absolutely! But I don't see Palestinian settlements in Israel. Perhaps it could be tit-for-tat. A peaceful blended society instead of a two state solution.

10 hours ago, JimCM said:

You are saying illegal settlements are legal because Israel's says so. Have you no idea how ridiculous this sounds? They are illegal, admit it!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legality_of_Israeli_settlements

I became aware of the settlements in 1968 during America's war on Vietnam. We were boycotting South African wine and oranges and California grapes. Inside that resistance, we talked about Israelis 'appropriating' Palestinians' land. If we hadn't had so many other things on our plate, BDS would have started then.

6 minutes ago, unblocktheplanet said:

Effing absolutely! But I don't see Palestinian settlements in Israel. Perhaps it could be tit-for-tat. A peaceful blended society instead of a two state solution.

 

   Palestinians and Israelis live together in Israel , no need for settlements there 

1 hour ago, unblocktheplanet said:

Effing absolutely! But I don't see Palestinian settlements in Israel. Perhaps it could be tit-for-tat. A peaceful blended society instead of a two state solution.

 

Palesrael.  50/50 representative in government and gov't orgs, join prime ministers.

 

 

7 minutes ago, JBChiangRai said:

 

Palesrael.  50/50 representative in government and gov't orgs, join prime ministers.

 

 

 

    11 players in the national football team .

5 Israelis and five Palestinians .

Where would the 11th player come from ?

12 minutes ago, Nick Carter icp said:

 

    11 players in the national football team .

5 Israelis and five Palestinians .

Where would the 11th player come from ?

 

Adjust to 12 players

Government announces 19 new West Bank settlements and legalized outposts | The Times of Israel

https://www.timesofisrael.com/government-announces-19-new-west-bank-settlements-and-legalized-outposts/

 

Read above link if you want to hear Israel's side of the 'argument' - I figure most here will just carry on the way they are after being 'stirred' up by an Israel hit-piece article from that bastian of left wing liberalism - The Guardian.  

 

11 new settlements to be built, 8 outposts and neighborhoods recognized as settlements, including two evacuated in 2005; Smotrich says move aims to thwart Palestinian state

Following the Gaza War and the continued refusal by the Palestinians to renounce their stated aim to destroy Israel and kill/remove all Jews, Israel has taken these measures to protect themselves.  8 of the settlements were previously in place for decades - they were a part of the Treaty Israel signed when withdrawing from Gaza and The West Bank in 2006. That Treaty has been officially rescinded by Israel following the declaration of War against Hamas and the Gaza Invasion.  Israel will never again accept any Treaty or Agreement with Palestinians or any other terrorist organisation that places themselves or their People at any greater risk of future terrorists attacks by Palestinian Terrorists.  They cannot stop them all, but they can keep the 'dogs at bay' by re-enforcing their defensive situation.  

9 minutes ago, JBChiangRai said:

 

Adjust to 12 players

 

   Who would be the Captain ?

Jewish Palesraeli first half

Muslim Palesraeli second half

6 minutes ago, JBChiangRai said:

Jewish Palesraeli first half

Muslim Palesraeli second half

 

  What about the Christian Palesrelis ?

Dont they get to play for the National team ?