💨 Abstract

On August 14, 2025, Israel's far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, announced a new settlement construction in the West Bank, which Palestinians and rights groups fear will split the territory and impede the formation of a Palestinian state. This announcement follows several countries' plans to recognize a Palestinian state in September. Smotrich stated that the new construction would make any recognition of a Palestinian state irrelevant.

Courtesy: WTOP Staff