Israel's security cabinet has approved 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, bringing the number granted permission the past three years to 69.
Most world powers deem Israeli settlements on land it captured in a 1967 war illegal and numerous UN Security Council resolutions have called on Israel to halt all settlement activity.
Israel disputes the view that such outposts are unlawful and it cites biblical and historical ties to the land.
"The proposal by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Defence Minister Israel Katz to declare and formalise 19 new settlements in Judea and Samaria has been approved by the cabinet," a statement from Mr Smotrich's office read.
"On the ground, we are blocking the establishment of a Palestinian terror state," Mr Smotrich said. "We will continue to develop, build and settle the land of our ancestral heritage, with faith in the justice of our path.
"We continue to make history in settlement and in the State of Israel." He said that within three years, Israel has regulated 69 new settlements, describing it as "a record like no other".
Arab countries condemned the move last week after reports emerged of the plan to approve the settlements. The UAE said the step "constitutes a dangerous escalation and a blatant violation of international law, and undermines efforts to achieve a just and comprehensive peace in the region".
Egypt said approval to legalise and establish the new settleme
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