Occupied Jerusalem, July 14 (Petra) -- Commander of the Israeli army's Central Command, Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth, signed an order officially, altering status of the Givat Ze'ev settlement, built on Palestinian land northwest of occupied Jerusalem, from a local council to a city.

According to Israeli media, the decision followed coordination between the Defense and Interior ministries. The move expands the settlement's administrative powers and increases government funding, which would accelerate construction and urban expansion.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said the measure is intended to strengthen settlement activity. Givat Ze'ev Mayor Yossi Asraf described the decision as a "historic moment" for improving services and supporting growth, noting that the settlement is home to more than 35,000 residents.

In its statement, Jerusalem Governorate warned the decision forms part of an Israeli policy aimed at expanding settlements and consolidating control over Palestinian land.

It said granting the settlement city status would increase urban and settlement expansion at the expense of Palestinian territorial contiguity around Jerusalem.

//Petra// NQ


14/07/2026 15:19:18