Israel’s Higher Planning Council approved the construction of 2,162 new Jewish homes in West Bank settlements on June 3, 2026, expanding settlements near Jerusalem, Nablus, and Hebron [1, 2, 3]. The approval includes 1,006 homes near Jerusalem’s Gevaot settlement, 922 near Nablus in Har Brakha, and 234 near Hebron’s Kiryat Arba [1, 2, 3].
These settlements are widely considered illegal under international law and are seen by Palestinians as a key obstacle to establishing an independent state [1, 2, 3]. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’s office condemned the expansion as provocative and warned it could increase violence [1, 2]. The Palestinian Authority called the plans “illegal” and a direct challenge to international law and UN resolutions, urging the United States to intervene to halt the expansion [3]. "All settlement activity is illegal under international law and does not confer legitimacy to anyone," the PA said, adding, "We call on the US administration to intervene immediately to stop the Israeli madness if it genuinely seeks to promote security and stability in the region and globally" [3].
Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who governs parts of the West Bank civilian administration, announced the expansion. He said it would "strengthen our hold on the land, reinforce Israel’s security, and establish clear facts on the ground that prevent the creation of an Arab terror state in the heart of the country" [2]. Smotrich also declared, "We are continuing to build the Land of Israel in practice" [1]. Despite being sanctioned by the UK, France, and others for alleged incitement, Smotrich rejects those sanctions and says Israeli policy will not alter [1, 2].
Earlier in 2026, Israel approved a land registration process that allows the state to declare Palestinian land as state property if ownership cannot be proven. Critics say this policy enables the seizure of Palestinian land for settlement expansion [2]. On June 4, 2026, Israeli forces delivered demolition notices to shops near Nablus to clear the way for a new settler road [2]. Residents reported settlers storming a village northwest of Ramallah [2].
US President Donald Trump stated in September 2025 that he would not allow Israel to annex the West Bank, though no recent US response has been reported [1].
Israeli authorities and settlers continue to push ahead with settlement construction amid strong Palestinian and international opposition. The demolition notices served June 4 mark the next concrete step ahead of road construction tied to the expanded settlements [2].
