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Israeli Minister Calls for Full West Bank Annexation, Settlement Surge

5/16/2026

26 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for annexation of entire West Bank during his Jerusalem Day speech, saying the cabinet has a plan and citing approval of 100 settlements and 60,000 housing units in Judea and Samaria.
Smotrich praised the new death-penalty bill and said the Israeli economy is strengthening despite the war.
Itamar Ben-Gvir said Israel will encourage Gaza settlers to move to Judea and Samaria and settle in Lebanon.

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Story summary

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for annexation of entire West Bank during his Jerusalem Day speech, saying the cabinet has a plan and citing approval of 100 settlements and 60,000 housing units in Judea and Samaria.
Smotrich praised the new death-penalty bill and said the Israeli economy is strengthening despite the war.
Itamar Ben-Gvir said Israel will encourage Gaza settlers to move to Judea and Samaria and settle in Lebanon.