Bezalel Smotrich Drives Rapid Expansion of Israeli Settlements in West Bank Amidst Escalating Violence
Bezalel Smotrich, Israel's Finance Minister, is spearheading a significant surge in settlement activity across the occupied West Bank. Under his supervision, the administration has approved 104 illegal settlements and approximately 160 settlement farms since 2022. This expansion is occurring as Israel prepares for October elections, with Smotrich pushing to cement the settler movement's grip on the territory despite international law. The expansion is characterized by a frenzy of activity, including the creation of new outposts and the legalization of past settlements. This movement is supported by hard-line religious and nationalist ideologies, driven by groups like the Hilltop Youth and the Price Tag movement. These groups often launch retaliatory attacks against Palestinians, who are have allegedly killed by Israeli forces and settlers. While Smotrich faces uncertainty regarding his electoral threshold, his efforts to entrench the settler presence have resulted in catastrophic consequences for local residents. The administration has also established a Settlements Administration agency to oversee these developments, making it harder to reverse the decisions taken under its watch.