Soldiers block roads and restrict Palestinian movement as illegal Israeli settlers carry out a raid in Hebron, the West Bank on December 20. Photo: Amer Shallodi via GettyIreland has joined 14 other countries in condemning the approval of new settlements in the occupied West Bank. Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank are considered violations of international law. Israeli settlement building in the West Bank – part of the territory where Palestinians aim to establish a state – has accelerated under Netanyahu. Speaking about the West Bank, Israeli foreign minister, Israel Katz said: “Netanyahu's government is a settlements government... it strives for action.

Source: Irish Independent December 24, 2025 21:30 UTC