Summary
Israel’s National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, approved gun licenses for Israelis in 18 additional settlements in the occupied West Bank. These settlements are not legally recognized, and the decision has led to more weapons among Israeli settlers. The move is part of a broader push by Israel's government to expand settlements in these areas.
Key Facts
- Israel’s minister Itamar Ben-Gvir approved gun licenses for 18 settlements in the West Bank.
- These settlements are considered illegal under international law.
- Over 240,000 Israelis have received gun permits since the policy expanded.
- Israeli settlers in the West Bank have been armed with military-grade weapons.
- The International Court of Justice ruled Israel's presence in the territory as unlawful.
- More than 1,800 attacks by settlers against Palestinians were documented in 2025.
- Israel's government has officially recognized previously unauthorized settlements.
- The total number of settlements and outposts has increased by nearly 50% since 2022.
