Israeli ministers announce plans for new illegal settlements in Gaza and West Bank

Why This Matters

Key context: <p>Defence minister seeks three ‘Naha’ outposts in Gaza as top commander says Israel now controls 65% of the strip, violating Trump ceasefire deal</p><p>Israel’s defence and finance ministers announced plans for three illegal settlements in Gaza and more than $400m (£300m) in funding to expand construction in the occupied West Bank, as Israel’s military commander for the region celebrated violent outposts as his “security partners”.</p><p>With national elections scheduled for 27 October, Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right coalition is racing to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jul/08/palestinians-brace-as-israeli-settler-figures-in-coalition-seek-to-cement-west-bank-gains-before-election">expand control</a> of land in occupied Palestine and drive out Palestinians before its mandate expires.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jul/18/israel-plan-new-illegal-settlements-gaza-west-bank-occupied-palestine">Continue reading...</a> This development from The Guardian highlights ongoing changes in the sector.