Diplomatic Clash: Israel Blasts 14 Western Nations Over Settlement Expansion Condemnation

Israel has formally rejected a joint statement from 14 Western nations—including the UK, France, Germany, Spain, and Canada—calling for a reversal of its decision to establish 11 new settlements in the occupied West Bank. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar labeled the international criticism a "moral error" and "discriminatory," asserting that foreign governments cannot restrict Jewish habitation in the region.

The 14 nations argued that these unilateral measures "violate international law" and jeopardize the fragile ceasefire in effect since October 10. While the West reaffirmed its support for Palestinian self-determination and a two-state solution, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich openly admitted that the primary goal of the expansion is to block the creation of a Palestinian state.