ByREUTERS

The European Union on Friday reiterated its call on Israel to refrain from expanding its settlements in the West Bank.

"The EU reiterates its call on Israel to refrain from further settlement expansion, the legalization of outposts, land appropriation, demolitions, evictions and other unilateral measures that undermine the viability of the two-state solution," said a statement from the EU's diplomatic service spokesperson.

Earlier this week, Israel's security cabinet approved a plan with a budget of 1.3 billion shekels ($427.8 million) for establishing 34 new settlements in the West Bank.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Missions Minister Orit Strock hold a map of the West Bank as they celebrate the Knesset Security Cabinet approval of their NIS1.3M budget to build 34 new settlements throughout the territory.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Missions Minister Orit Strock hold a map of the West Bank as they celebrate the Knesset Security Cabinet approval of their NIS1.3M budget to build 34 new settlements throughout the territory. (credit: Courtesy)

Decision to extend number of settlements to 103

According to the decision, 34 new settlements will be established in the near future - nine in the Samaria region, seven in the Binyamin region, four in the Hebron area, seven in the Jordan Valley, six in the Gush Etzion area, and one in the Megilot Regional Council area.

This will bring the total number of West Bank settlements established under the current government to 103.

National Missions Minister Orit Strock, Construction and Housing Minister Haim Katz, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich submitted the proposal.