Israel signs $2.3 billion deal to expand West Bank settlements with 12,000 new homes

Israel has signed an 8.5 billion-shekel ($2.3 billion) framework agreement to expand settlements in the occupied West Bank, according to Israeli media. The deal includes the construction of 12,000 new housing units and major infrastructure projects. Channel 14 described it as a “giant” step aimed at expanding settlements and “changing the face of the region.” The agreement was signed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Israel Land Authority Director General Yehuda Eliyahu, and Yossi Dagan, head of the Shomron Regional Council. The UN has repeatedly affirmed that Israeli settlements are illegal under international law and undermine prospects for a two-state solution.