Settlements

Katz's West Bank plan raises questions on pressure in Israeli society after Kusra events - analysis

The Kusra siege has drawn rare US criticism and intensified debate over Israel’s failure to restrain violent factions as the government considers transferring civilian law enforcement from the IDF.

Israeli settler extremists throw stones at a dirt road at the Palestinian village of Kusra, in the West Bank, in an attempt to block the movement of Palestinians and Israeli forces, August 12, 2026
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich at the Sderot Yeshiva, August 16, 2026.

Smotrich calls on Netanyahu to conquer Gaza, establish military government and settlements

Israeli settlers are evacuated from illegal outpost Givat Or Yehuda, in the southern Hebron hills, on August 17, 2026.

IDF, COGAT evacuate illegal outpost near Hebron three months after residents attack police - report

Israeli army soldiers stand near a Palestinian house which was besieged by Israeli settlers in Kusra village in the West Bank August 13, 2026.

Transfer of West Bank authority to police a 'step toward Israeli annexation,' Ben-Gvir declares


Israel unveils NIS 1.3 million budget for 34 new West Bank settlements in 'historic' move

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

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.

European Union weighs trade ban, steep tariffs on Israeli West Bank settlement goods

The discussion will be based on a confidential paper by the European Commission that floats three different options - an import licensing system, prohibitive tariffs, or a ban.

European Union flags flutter outside the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium Februrary 26, 2026.

West Bank settlement of Givat Ze'ev officially declared an Israeli city

The status upgrade aims to align the municipal framework with planned development, scaling, and residential services. 

​Giv'at Ze'ev Mayor Yossi Asraf pictured with IDF Central Command Chief Avi Bluth.

Netanyahu denies settler community behind Khanna West Bank incident

Netanyahu says he 'doesn't want vigilantes in West Bank,' after Rep. Khanna incident with settlers

 ISRAEL-US-IRAN-WAR Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gives a news conference in Jerusalem on June 15, 2026

Smotrich deserves 'at least 15 seats' for West Bank actions, former justice minister claims

Ramon made the comments on the Gatekeeper podcast with journalist Nissim Sofer during a discussion about the political system and the electoral landscape.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich attends a press conference at the Finance Ministry in Jerusalem, July 1, 2026.

Israel to approve West Bank settlement road budget worth over NIS 1 billion

The plan will include the construction of new roads and improvements to existing ones, the ministry stated, adding that any new settlements approved in the future will be included in the plan.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.

Grapevine, July 10, 2026: Mixed Irish feelings

Movers and shakers in Israeli society.

CHIEF OF State Protocol Gil Haskel with Tanzanian Ambassador Alex Gabriel Kallua.

Israeli settler group crosses Syria border again, spends night on Mount Hermon

Following their activities earlier this week, a group of activists once again climbed into the Mount Hermon area, in the newly controlled areas under IDF authority beyond the official border line.

A member of the HaBashan Pioneers movement puts on tefillin on Mount Hermon, July 9, 2026.

‘True friends tell each other the truth’: Rahm Emanuel’s critique of Israel draws cheers - analysis

Whether Emanuel’s critique will land with the Israeli establishment or with the ruling coalition remains to be seen.

Rahm Emanuel, left, speaks with Yael Sternhell and Yoav Fromer during an event at Tel Aviv University, July 8, 2026.

Israel 'will return to the whole of Gaza,' should 'erase' Oslo Accords, Smotrich says

“Gush Katif is small,” Smotrich told Pulse of Israel podcast host Avi Abelow. “We will return to the whole of Gaza in a big way.”

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich attends a press conference at the Finance Ministry in Jerusalem, July 1, 2026.