![Palestinians gather to protest new Israeli settlement activities in the village of Deir Abu Mashal, west of Ramallah, West Bank, Palestine on June 19, 2026. [Issam Rimawi - Anadolu Agency]](https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/AA-20260619-41724183-41724164-PALESTINIANS_PROTEST_AGAINST_ISRAELI_SETTLEMENT_ACTIVITIES_IN_THE_WEST_BANK.jpg)
Israel’s Security Cabinet on Thursday approved a plan to establish 13 illegal new settlements in the central occupied West Bank, prompting Palestinian officials to warn that the move would further fragment the territory and isolate East Jerusalem from its Palestinian surroundings, Anadolu reports. Israel’s Channel 7 reported that the Cabinet approved the construction of the new illegal settlements in the “Binyamin” regional area, with the implementation of the first phase expected to begin in the coming months. According to the report, “the Binyamin Regional Council” plans to launch “the first phase” of the project by establishing between four and six new illegal settlements, backed by investments worth millions of shekels. The Jerusalem Governorate condemned the decision, saying it forms part of […]