The Israeli regime has approved plans for the construction of 567 new settlement units in two settlements in the Hebron (Al-Khalil) governorate in the occupied West Bank.

According to the Palestinian Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission, one of the approved plans includes the construction of 342 settlement units in the Asael settlement, built on lands belonging to the town of Al-Samu.

The area, covered by plan No. 525, was granted settlement status by the Israeli regime's so-called cabinet in 2023.

The second plan allows for the construction of 225 new settlement units in the Beit Hagai settlement, established on lands belonging to the Al-Rihiya area, which is affiliated with the town of Dura.

Plans move toward implementation

The two plans had previously passed earlier planning stages and were advanced toward final approval during a meeting of the so-called Higher Planning Council on September 23.

The Palestinian Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission said the approval opens the way for implementation procedures, including construction and development work.

The commission said the Asael plan represents a major step toward completing the settlement's planning status, while the Beit Hagai plan would significantly expand the size of the settlement.

Israeli media reported that the addition of 225 new units would nearly double the size of the Beit Hagai settlement.

Expansion of settlements in occupied West Bank

Palestinian officials said the approvals are part of a broader policy of expanding Israeli settlements in the southern occupied West Bank, confiscating Palestinian land and connecting settlements through road and infrastructure networks.

The international community considers Israeli settlements built in the occupied West Bank illegal under international law, while Palestinian authorities say continued settlement expansion undermines prospects for a future Palestinian state.(ILKHA)