Israel labels condemnation by 14 nations as ‘morally wrong’ and discriminatory, defending new settlements as a security necessity.
JERUSALEM: Israel has condemned international criticism of its approval of new settlements in the occupied West Bank.
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said calls by foreign governments to restrict Jewish settlement were “morally wrong and discriminatory against Jews”.
The statement came after 14 countries, including Britain, France, Germany, Spain and Canada, urged Israel to reverse its decision.
They said such unilateral actions “violate international law” and risk undermining a fragile Gaza ceasefire.
On Sunday, Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced the approval of 11 new settlements and the formalisation of eight others.
He said the move was aimed at preventing the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Saar defended the cabinet decision, stating it was intended “to help address the security threats Israel is facing”.
The 14 nations also reaffirmed their commitment to a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.
They called for a comprehensive peace where “two democratic states… live side-by-side in peace and security”.
Israel has occupied the West Bank since the 1967 Arab-Israeli war.
More than 500,000 Israelis live there alongside about three million Palestinian residents.
Earlier this month, the UN said Israeli settlement expansion had reached its highest level since at least 2017.
All settlements are considered illegal under international law.
