Recent BBC analysis has uncovered a significant increase in illegal Israeli settler outposts in the West Bank, with the number now reaching at least 196. Of these, 29 were established in 2023 alone.
These outposts, deemed illegal under both Israeli and international law, are reportedly backed by organizations with connections to the Israeli government. Their rise has been linked to heightened violence and harassment against Palestinian communities, with experts noting that these outposts are more effective in land appropriation and inciting tensions than official settlements.
Despite their illegal status, there is scant evidence that the Israeli government is taking active measures to curb their expansion. Settlers, such as Moshe Sharvit, associated with acts of harassment and violence, have increasingly used these outposts to extend their control over large areas, exacerbating regional tensions.
