Jerusalem: The Israeli government has initiated 2026 with a series of settlement expansion projects across the West Bank, as reported by the National Office for the Defense of Land and Resistance to Settlements. These developments mark the beginning of a significant year, with potential elections on the horizon in Israel.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the National Office's weekly report, which covers the period from January 17 to January 23, 2026, indicates that election years in Israel often see an increase in extreme rhetoric and policies, particularly from right-wing parties. The report highlights that the Israeli authorities are focusing on seizing Palestinian land and transforming it into strategic areas for Israeli activities. This sentiment is underscored by statements within Israeli governing circles, which suggest that 2026 will be a year of tangible action following 2025's revolutionary decisions.
The report emphasizes the role of the Civil Administration, led by Bezalel Smotrich, in facilitating these settlement expansions. This initiative is rooted in coalition agreements between the "Religious Zionism" and "Likud" parties, which have been explicitly approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The agreements call for the establishment of 70 new settlements, with many already existing on the ground and awaiting formal legalization.
Settlement expansion efforts are primarily concentrated in Jerusalem, the northern West Bank, and the Palestinian Jordan Valley. This focus follows the cancellation of the 2005 "Disengagement" Law and the reinstatement of settlements that existed prior to its enactment. Notable developments include new settlements on Mount Ebal, overlooking the city of Nablus, and the "Date City" settlement in the Jordan Valley, which aims to accommodate colonists from the Haredim community alongside other projects.
