Saudi Arabia Issues Strong Condemnation
Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, issued a strong condemnation of Israel's recent approval to grant legal status to 19 settlements in the occupied West Bank. The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the move constitutes a 'violation of international law' and contravenes relevant United Nations resolutions.
The Kingdom reiterated its consistent call for the international community to 'assume its responsibilities' to halt these violations. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its unwavering support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in line with the Arab Peace Initiative and international resolutions.
Details of Israeli Settlement Approval
The Israeli cabinet's decision to legalize the 19 settlements in the West Bank was reported last week, with some sources indicating the vote occurred on Thursday, December 12, 2025, or Friday, December 13, 2025. This approval includes two settlements, Ganim and Kadim, which were previously evacuated in 2005 as part of Israel's disengagement plan.
The initiative was reportedly championed by far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Defense Minister Israel Katz. This move is seen as part of a broader strategy to expand Israeli settlements and, according to critics, to undermine the possibility of a future Palestinian state by preventing territorial contiguity between Palestinian communities. Some of the newly recognized outposts have existed for over two decades. In a related development, Israel also gave final approval for the construction of 764 housing units in three West Bank settlements, including 478 units in Hashmonaim.
International Law and Palestinian Reaction
The international community largely considers Israeli settlements in the West Bank to be illegal under international law. Numerous UN Security Council resolutions, including Resolution 2334, affirm that Israeli settlements have 'no legal validity' and constitute a 'flagrant violation of international law.' Earlier resolutions such as 446, 452, and 465 have also called for Israel to cease settlement activities. Israel, however, disputes this stance, citing historical and biblical ties to the land.
Palestinian officials have also voiced strong objections. Nabil Abu Rudeineh, Palestinian presidential spokesperson, stated that 'All Israeli settlement activity is illegal and constitutes a violation of international law and international legitimacy resolutions.' Moayyad Shaaban, head of the Palestinian Colonisation and Wall Resistance Commission, described the decision as a 'dangerous escalation that exposes the true intentions of the occupation government to entrench a system of annexation, apartheid and full Judaisation of Palestinian land.'
Broader Implications
The Saudi Foreign Ministry emphasized that these decisions and statements confirm the Israeli government's continuation of 'illegal expansionist policies,' its obstruction of peace efforts, and the 'serious threat to the possibility of a two-state solution.' The expansion of settlements in the West Bank is currently at its highest rate since at least 2017, according to a UN report.
7 Comments
Stan Marsh
While the expansion of settlements undeniably complicates peace efforts, Israel also cites security concerns and historical claims which aren't easily dismissed. A truly lasting solution requires acknowledging both narratives.
Eric Cartman
The West Bank isn't 'occupied' in the way the article implies. It's disputed territory.
Kyle Broflovski
The international community's stance on settlements is clear, but simply condemning Israel without addressing the underlying conflict dynamics won't lead to peace. Both sides need to make difficult concessions for a viable future.
Stan Marsh
UN resolutions are often biased. Israel's sovereignty is paramount.
anubis
It's true that continued settlement expansion makes a two-state solution almost impossible to achieve geographically. Yet, from an Israeli perspective, these areas are often seen as strategically vital or part of their historical homeland, creating a complex dilemma.
Noir Black
Another day, another land grab. The world needs to act, not just condemn.
Eugene Alta
Saudi Arabia's condemnation is just political posturing. Focus on your own issues.