JERUSALEM: Israel’s hard-line finance minister announced on Wednesday a major expansion by more than 2,000 homes of three Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank that Palestinians hope will be part of a future independent state. Most nations consider Israeli settlements there to be illegal under international law and a major obstacle to a two-state solution for long-term peace.Bezalel Smotrich, who holds authority over parts of Israel’s civilian administration in the West Bank, said a planning committee approved the construction of 2,162 new Jewish homes.

By Benjamin RaabJERUSALEM, June 3 (Reuters) - Israel's hardline finance minister announced on Wednesday a major expansion by more than 2,000 homes of three Jewish settlements in…

Israel announces plans for over 2,000 new West Bank homes, escalating tensions amid international concerns over legality and peace efforts.