Thu Dec 25 07:53:21 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a rewritten news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
On December 25, 2025, Israel vehemently responded to condemnation from 14 countries, including France and Britain, regarding its decision to approve new settlements in the occupied West Bank and formalize existing ones. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar defended the settlements, asserting Jews’ right to live in the Land of Israel and characterizing the criticism as discriminatory. The settlements, according to the Israeli government, are intended to address security threats. The condemning nations, including Britain, France, Germany, and Canada, argued that the settlements violate international law and undermine the fragile ceasefire in Gaza, reaffirming their commitment to a two-state solution. The announcement of the settlements was initially made by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. The UN reported earlier this month that Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank has reached its highest level since at least 2017, noting all settlements are illegal under international law.
News Article:
Israel Denounces International Criticism Over West Bank Settlement Expansion
Jerusalem – December 25, 2025 – Israel reacted sharply today to a joint statement issued by 14 nations, including key European allies and Canada, condemning its decision to authorize the construction of new settlements and formalize existing outposts in the occupied West Bank.
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar labeled the international censure “morally wrong and discriminatory against Jews,” asserting that foreign governments have no right to restrict Jews from living in what he referred to as the “Land of Israel.”
The decision, announced earlier this week by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, involves establishing 11 new settlements and formalizing eight others. The Israeli government argues the move is necessary to address security concerns in the region.
The 14 nations, including Britain, France, Germany, Spain, and Canada, have strongly urged Israel to reverse its decision, citing violations of international law and the potential to destabilize the already fragile ceasefire in Gaza, which has been in effect since October 10th. The joint statement reaffirmed their commitment to a two-state solution, envisioning a peaceful and secure coexistence between Israel and Palestine.
The West Bank has been under Israeli occupation since the 1967 Arab-Israeli War. Excluding East Jerusalem, over 500,000 Israelis currently reside in the West Bank, alongside approximately three million Palestinian residents.
The United Nations reported earlier this month that the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank has reached its highest level since at least 2017, reiterating that all settlements are considered illegal under international law. The international community remains deeply divided on the issue, with this latest development further straining relations between Israel and many of its traditional partners.
First Piper 