Jerusalem: Israeli authorities have announced plans to expand the Mishmar Yehuda settlement, located southeast of Jerusalem, marking a significant development in the region's ongoing settlement activities. Head of the Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission, Minister Muayyad Shaaban, highlighted the publication of a new plan to amend the boundaries of the 'blue line' of the colonial Mishmar Yehuda outpost, noting the expansion as a reinforcement of Israel's annexation policy.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, reviews conducted by the commission reveal that the Israeli occupation authorities approved the transformation of the Mishmar Yehuda outpost into a full settlement in 2023. This decision followed closely on the heels of the formation of Israel's far-right government. The current move to define the boundaries of this new settlement indicates Israel's plans to establish a large settlement with thousands of housing units, aiming to alter the Palestinian landscape significantly.
Shaaban further stated that documents from the commission show that Mishmar Yehuda is one of 11 outposts approved by the Israeli government for legalization as settlements in February 2023. The list includes outposts like Malachei Hashalom, where 745 dunums were declared state land, as well as Avigail and Asael, which have received land allocation orders. Other outposts such as Givat Harel and Givat Haroeh have been merged and are included in a recent announcement of 19 settlements. Beit Hogla's structural plan has also advanced, alongside Sde Boaz and Shaharit.
Official documents published by the Israeli army on December 18, 2025, indicate that approximately 472 dunums were added to the settlement's area, with 351.08 dunums excluded, leaving 2,908 dunums unchanged from the original declaration of October 1, 1982. This original declaration classified hundreds of dunums from the lands of Abu Dis and Al-Sawahreh as state land.
Shaaban warned that the changes to the settlement boundaries further isolate Jerusalem from the southern West Bank by adding another settlement along the Ma'ale Adumim-Kedar corridor. This expansion is deemed illegal under international law, particularly the Fourth Geneva Convention, and continues to face condemnation from the United Nations and the international community.
