The Israeli security cabinet secretly approved the legalisation of more than 30 new settler outposts and farms in the occupied West Bank last month, according to three Israeli sources familiar with the decision.

Unlike previous announcements, the approval was not publicly disclosed by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who did not respond to requests for comment.

Two sources said the decision was kept quiet to avoid international criticism amid rising settler violence against Palestinians since the start of the Iran war.

The move is part of a broader push by Israel’s right-wing government under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to expand settlements and strengthen control over the West Bank, a territory Palestinians claim for a future state along with Gaza and East Jerusalem.

Israeli media reported that the decision also includes plans for electricity and water infrastructure to support the outposts.

According to Peace Now Settlement Watch, a record 86 new outposts were established in 2025. The group says some settlers in these areas have been involved in the displacement of Palestinian communities through violence and harassment.

The Palestinian Authority condemned the decision, calling it a “dangerous escalation” and a violation of international law and UN resolutions.

It urged international intervention, particularly from the United States.

The approval, made in a security cabinet meeting on March 25, comes amid a reported rise in settler violence.

Israeli human rights group Yesh Din recorded 305 incidents between February 28 and March 29, averaging more than 10 incidents per day.

During the same period, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) reportedly redeployed troops to the West Bank due to increased tensions and manpower strain.

IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir reportedly warned ministers that the military is under significant pressure due to expanded operational demands.

Officials also said the cabinet backed measures targeting Jewish “nationalist crimes” in the West Bank, including steps to curb settler violence and strengthen enforcement in high-tension areas.

A new unit within the Defence Ministry is expected to address extremist activity linked to the so-called “Hilltop Youth”.

The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office did not respond to requests for comment.

Human rights group Peace Now criticised the decision, saying settlement expansion undermines security and makes a peaceful resolution of the conflict more difficult.