Israel set for major settlement expansion

The creation of 22 new settlements in the occupied West Bank – the biggest expansion in decades – is straining Israeli ties with key allies, who have threatened sanctions

POPULATION
(West Bank and East Jerusalem)

Palestinians
~2.7 million
Israeli settlers
~700,000


New settlements
Existing Israeli settlements
Built-up Palestinian area
West Bank barrier
Planned barrier


WEST BANK
Jerusalem
Hebron
Ramallah
Nablus
Jenin
Jericho
Bethlehem
DEAD SEA
ISRAEL
JORDAN
10km
6 miles

Defence Minister Israel Katz (left) says expansion is “strategic move that prevents the establishment of a Palestinian state”


Sources: Peace Now, OCHA, Reuters, BBC
Picture: Getty Images
© GRAPHIC NEWS