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Outcry over Israel's West Bank settlement plan

January 2, 2026

In 2025 alone, Israel legalized around 50 settlements against international law — more than ever before. DW's Jan-Philipp Scholz reports from the recently established settlement of Shdema.

https://p.dw.com/p/56Dio

Shepherd Abu Mohammed says new Israeli settlement construction near Bayt Sahur is cutting him off from his grazing land, threatening his livelihood. Shdema, one of 19 recently approved settlements deemed illegal under international law, has drawn heavy criticism.

Settler advocates cite security needs, while experts argue the policy deliberately undermines Palestinian life. Many fear conditions in theoccupied West Bankwill worsen in 2026.