Israel is reportedly planning to build a major settlement neighborhood to expand the existing illegal settlements toward the south of Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank.
The building of the new neighborhood means that the city would be completely encircled by illegal Israeli settlements. Tel Aviv has grabbed 120 hectares of Palestinian land and planned to capture more to make room for roads and infrastructure. Reports said 14 Israeli ministries are funding the mega plan. All Israeli settlements, which have been major obstacle to Israeli-Palestinian talks, are illegal under international law.