The Israeli Civil Administration, the governing authority in the West Bank, announced on Wednesday that Israel will establish its first settlement in the West Bank since 2017.
According to Israeli media, the new settlement, named Nahal Heletz, is set to span around 148 acres (approximately 600,000 square meters) to the southwest of Jerusalem, in proximity to the Palestinian city of Bethlehem.
The Times of Israel reported that the commencement of construction may be several years off, as the process of acquiring zoning plans and construction permits is expected to be time-consuming.
Peace Now, an organization opposing the settlements, warned that Nahal Heletz “will be an enclave in a Palestinian zone and will bring about friction and security challenges.”
It said Nahal Heletz is designed to disrupt Palestinian territorial continuity and argued that it contributes to Israel’s “de facto annexation” of the West Bank.
It also pointed out that the settlement will be built on land that belongs to Battir, a Palestinian village known for its ancient agricultural terraces recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.