Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz has vowed to build a ‘Jewish Israeli state’ in the occupied West Bank, a day after the government announced the creation of 22 new settlements in the territory. He called the announcement ‘a clear message to Emmanuel Macron and his associates’ in a statement made on Friday shortly after the French President said the recognition of a Palestinian state, with conditions, is a ‘moral duty.’ It comes just days after Britain, France and Canada threatened Israel with sanctions unless it relents on plans to expand military operations in the Gaza Strip.
| Published May 30, 2025
Macron tells Netanyahu in a phone call the annexation of the Palestinian territory will contravene international law.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has declared the government’s intention to establish a “Jewish Israeli state” in the West Bank, a move that has intensified tensions with France and drawn widespread international condemnation. This announcement coincides with Israel’s approval of 22 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, marking one of the most significant expansions in recent years.
Key Developments
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Settlement Expansion: On May 29, 2025, Israel announced plans to establish 22 new settlements in the occupied West Bank. This expansion includes the legalization of existing outposts and the creation of new communities, further entrenching Israeli presence in the region.
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International Response: The expansion has been met with strong criticism from the international community. Countries such as the United Kingdom, France, and Canada have condemned the move, warning that it undermines the prospects for a two-state solution and violates international law.
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France-Israel Tensions: French President Emmanuel Macron has urged Israel to halt its annexation plans, emphasizing that such actions contravene international law and jeopardize long-term peace efforts. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized Macron’s remarks, asserting that Israel’s establishment was achieved through its own efforts rather than solely by a UN decision.
Israel ‘s Defence Minister Israel Katz has vowed to build a ‘Jewish Israeli state’ in the occupied West Bank, a day after the government announced the creation of 22 new settlements in the territory
He called the announcement ‘a clear message to Emmanuel Macron and his associates’ in a statement made on Friday. Pictured: Katz meets with IDF officials at the site of the Sa-Nur settlement today
It comes just days after Britain, France and Canada threatened Israel with sanctions unless it relents on plans to expand military operations in the Gaza Strip. Pictured: Smoke rises to the sky following an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City, Friday, May 30
Emmanuel Macron said the recognition of a Palestinian state, with conditions, is a ‘moral duty’. Pictured: Macron takes part in a press briefing with Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong in Singapore on May 30, 2025
The UK government has said it is suspending free trade negotiations with Israel and has introduced new sanctions on settlements in the West Bank in an effort to ramp up its criticism of the ongoing operation in Gaza. Pictured: Smoke rises from Gaza after an explosion on May 30
The implications of Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz’s declaration — to build a “Jewish Israeli state” in the West Bank — are significant and far-reaching, particularly in terms of geopolitics, international law, and regional stability:
Broader Implications
The Israeli government’s actions are likely to further strain its relationships with key international partners and could lead to increased diplomatic isolation. The expansion of settlements in the West Bank not only exacerbates tensions with the Palestinian population but also complicates efforts to achieve a negotiated peace agreement.
1. Death Blow to the Two-State Solution
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Diplomatic Collapse: This statement is interpreted by many as Israel officially abandoning any pretense of negotiating a Palestinian state.
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Permanent Occupation: Establishing a “Jewish Israeli state” in the West Bank signals de facto annexation, hardening the conflict and virtually closing the door on peaceful separation.
2. International Backlash & Sanctions Risk
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France and EU Response: The timing of Katz’s statement — after France warned against expansion — is seen as a direct defiance. This could:
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Worsen relations with France and the EU.
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Spark calls for economic or diplomatic sanctions.
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UN & Global Isolation: Many global institutions still see settlements as illegal. Israel risks further isolation or legal challenges at international forums.
3. Palestinian Unrest and Regional Instability
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Ground-Level Violence: This move could provoke widespread unrest across the West Bank and Jerusalem, potentially escalating to:
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A third intifada (uprising),
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Increased rocket fire from militant groups.
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Broader Middle East Tensions: Arab nations that normalized relations under the Abraham Accords may be pressured by their publics to respond.
4. Domestic Political Ramifications
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Right-Wing Boost: Within Israel, this appeals to nationalist and settler constituencies, possibly shoring up Netanyahu’s base.
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Moderate Opposition: Centrist and left-leaning Israelis may see this as disastrous for Israel’s democratic and Jewish identity, fearing a binational apartheid state.
5. U.S.-Israel Tensions
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While the Biden administration has criticized expansion quietly, this move forces the U.S. to either:
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Increase pressure publicly,
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Or risk being seen as enabling a major shift away from decades of bipartisan U.S. foreign policy supporting two states.
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Overall Takeaway:
Israel’s declaration to build a “Jewish Israeli state” in the West Bank marks a decisive shift away from the two-state framework, signaling permanent control over disputed territory. While it may solidify domestic political support and settler claims, it sharply escalates diplomatic tensions, risks regional instability, and pushes Israel toward deeper international isolation.
SOURCES: DAILYMAIL ONLINE – Israel accuses Emmanuel Macron of a ‘crusade against the Jewish state’ and says it will send ‘a clear message to the French president and his associates’
REUTERS – Israel announces new West Bank settlements despite sanctions threat
FINANCIAL TIMES – Israel announces expansion of settlements in occupied West Bank
LE MONDE – Macron-Netanyahu tensions escalate after French president’s comments on the creation of Israel
AL JAZEERA – France’s Macron asks Israel to drop West Bank annexation plans
