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Israel Approves 1,973 New Housing Units Amid Hamas Outcry

10/31/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Supreme Planning Council is set to approve 1,973 housing units in Judea and Samaria as part of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's plan to strengthen Jewish communities.
The projects include 133 units in Tapuah West and 720 in Avnei Hefetz, with Smotrich claiming nearly 30,000 units have been approved this year.
Hamas condemned the move as an escalation of settlement policies.
Israel had recently approved 1,300 homes in Gush Etzion.

History

Historical Context

Israel's settlement expansion in the West Bank began in 1979 under the leadership of Ariel Sharon, who aimed to strengthen Jewish presence in the region. By 2024, the Israeli government approved over 5,000 new housing units, continuing a trend that has raised tensions with Palestinians and drawn international criticism, particularly regarding the viability of a two-state solution.

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Story summary

The Supreme Planning Council is set to approve 1,973 housing units in Judea and Samaria as part of Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's plan to strengthen Jewish communities.
The projects include 133 units in Tapuah West and 720 in Avnei Hefetz, with Smotrich claiming nearly 30,000 units have been approved this year.
Hamas condemned the move as an escalation of settlement policies.
Israel had recently approved 1,300 homes in Gush Etzion.

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