Jerusalem Governorate says Israel plans 650-unit settlement south of Jerusalem
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The Jerusalem Governorate said on Tuesday that Israel’s district planning committee has advanced a plan for a new Jewish settlement of about 650 homes on 27 dunams in southern Jerusalem, adjacent to Palestinian residences. The governorate warned the project would fragment Palestinian geography and harm residents' daily lives, even as Israeli NGO Ir Amim reported three larger settlement plans totaling over 3,400 units were advanced in recent weeks.
Settlement Plan Details
According to TRT Haber, the plan named "Novi Rachel" was posted for public review by Israel's District Planning and Building Committee. It targets a 27-dunam site adjacent to Palestinian homes in southern Jerusalem. The Jerusalem Governorate stated the project is part of a series of settlement plans designed to fragment Palestinian territory. The governorate emphasized that the danger lies not only in the number of units but also in the location's direct negative impact on Palestinian daily life.
Broader Settlement Expansion
Israeli NGO Ir Amim reported that over the past few weeks, the Tel Aviv government advanced three of its largest settlement projects, encompassing more than 3,400 housing units, as part of efforts to consolidate control over East Jerusalem. The United Nations and much of the international community regard Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory as illegal under international law, warning they undermine the two-state solution. Peace Now data shows over 500,000 Israelis live in West Bank settlements and roughly 250,000 in East Jerusalem settlements.
What's Next
The planning committee is set to review public objections before a final approval decision. It remains unclear whether international criticism will slow the project given the recent acceleration in settlement approvals.
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Jerusalem Governorate says Israel plans 650-unit settlement south of Jerusalem
