Israel signs $2.3B deal to expand illegal settlements in occupied West Bank 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. The deal includes the construction of 12,000 new housing units and significant infrastructure projects. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich attended the signing ceremony. Channel 14 described the agreement as a "giant" step to expand settlements and "change the face of the region." The UN considers Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territories illegal under international law and a hindrance to a two-state solution.