Smotrich: cabinet authorized 5 West Bank outposts, sanctions against PA

The Security Cabinet authorized five West Bank outposts and imposed further sanctions on the Palestinian Authority, according to Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich who published information on the measures late Thursday night.

The five outposts are Evyatar, Givat Assaf, Sde Efraim, Heletz, and Adorayim. 

"The Security Cabinet authorized one outpost for every country that unilaterally recognized Palestine as a state in the last month," Smotrich said.

In addition, the Higher Planning Council for Judea and Samaria is expected to meet to advance the approval of thousands of additional homes in the settlements.

“After weeks of discussions, the Israeli government promoted an appropriate response to the anti-Israeli measures led by the Palestinian Authority,” Smotrich stated.

This includes its activity against Israel at the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, and the United Nations.

Measures to be taken against the PA

Steps to be taken against the Palestinian Authority would include canceling exit permits for officials to leave the country and increased enforcement against illegal Palestinian buildings in Area C of the West Bank. 

Measures would also be taken to protect Jewish heritage sites located in Area B of the West Bank, which is under the auspices of the Palestinian Authority.

Smotrich said "The Palestinian Authority joined Hamas in trying to harm Israel in Israel and in the world and we will fight it.

“For those who needed proof, we got it on October 7. A Palestinian state in the heart of Israel is an existential danger, I will not allow such a disaster to be brought upon the State of Israel,” he said.