The Palestinian Authority on Wednesday condemned the decision of Israel’s Supreme Planning Council to grant validity and deposit approval for 764 new housing units across several communities in Judea and Samaria, accusing Israel of undermining regional and international efforts to calm tensions.
Nabil Abu Rudeineh, spokesman for the Palestinian Presidency headed by Mahmoud Abbas, said the move represents “an attempt by Israel to harm international efforts aimed at bringing an end to violence, escalation, and instability in the region.” He described the decision as unacceptable and claimed it violates international law and “international legitimacy,” citing UN Security Council Resolution 2334.
According to Abu Rudeineh, continued construction in Jewish communities “does not provide legitimacy or security to anyone” and instead fuels a cycle of confrontation. He said the Palestinian leadership holds the Israeli government fully responsible for what he called the dangerous consequences of a “destructive” policy that threatens to ignite the region and draw it into further conflict.
Addressing the US administration, Abu Rudeineh urged President Donald Trump to increase pressure on Israel to reverse its construction policies, halt what he termed annexation attempts, and comply with international decisions. He argued that such steps are necessary to support efforts led by President Trump to restore stability and prevent further escalation.
The plan advanced by the Supreme Planning Council covers three main areas: 478 new housing units in Hashmonaim, 230 units in Beitar Illit, and 56 units in Givat Ze’ev. Israeli officials involved in the process noted that since the start of the current government’s term, a total of 51,370 housing units have been approved throughout Judea and Samaria - a figure described as unprecedented in scale.
The Palestinian Presidency reiterated its opposition to the announcement, asserting that the expansion of Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria, including areas in and around Jerusalem, sabotages diplomatic efforts and entrenches instability. It again called on the international community to intervene, saying that only firm action can prevent further deterioration on the ground.