Washington, 10 February 2026 – President Donald Trump has voiced his opposition to Israel’s proposed expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank, the White House confirmed yesterday.
A senior White House official, speaking to Reuters on Monday, emphasised that stability in the West Bank is essential for Israel’s security and contributes to the broader goal of peace in the region.
The controversy arose after Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Defence Minister Israel Katz announced a series of new measures last Sunday aimed at extending Israeli control over Palestinian territories. The announced policies would make it easier for Israeli settlers to acquire land in the West Bank, despite international law deeming such settlements illegal.
The move has triggered widespread international criticism. In response, the White House reiterated that President Trump does not endorse Israel’s recent actions, underlining Washington’s stance that unilateral expansion undermines the prospects for peace.
Further opposition came from eight Muslim-majority nations, which issued a joint statement condemning Israel’s steps. The countries involved are Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates. They argued that the measures aim to impose Israel’s authority illegally on Palestinian territories and strengthen settlement activity in violation of international law.
The joint statement noted: “These actions intensify illegal settlement activity, impose new legal and administrative realities in the West Bank, and further threaten the rights of the Palestinian population to their land.”
The criticism has also been echoed by global leaders and institutions. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the Israeli steps, stating they increase instability and undermine the feasibility of a two-state solution. Officials in the United Kingdom and Spain similarly voiced concern over Israel’s settlement expansion.
A UN spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, commented that the Secretary-General believes Israel’s policies are destabilising the region and jeopardising the long-term prospects for peace between Israel and Palestine.
The international community remains deeply concerned that Israel’s proposed measures could accelerate settlement growth and result in further displacement of Palestinian communities, complicating an already fragile peace process.
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Israeli Ministers Announcing Expansion | Bezalel Smotrich (Finance), Israel Katz (Defence) |
| Target Area | Occupied West Bank (Palestinian territories) |
| White House Position | Opposed; Trump stresses West Bank stability ensures Israeli security |
| International Opposition | UN Secretary-General, UK, Spain, 8 Muslim-majority countries |
| Muslim-majority Countries | Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, UAE |
| Legal Status of Settlements | Considered illegal under international law |
| Impact | Potentially accelerates settlement activity and displaces Palestinians |