Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has announced plans to establish a Jewish state in the occupied West Bank. The announcement follows the Israeli government’s recent decision to approve the construction of 22 new illegal settlements on Palestinian land in the West Bank. Some previously unauthorized settlements will also be granted legal recognition. Palestinian authorities and human rights organizations have condemned the move, calling it a violation of international law and a major obstacle to the creation of a sovereign Palestinian state. Meanwhile, due to Israeli restrictions, foreign ministers from six countries, including Saudi Arabia, have been barred from entering the occupied West Bank.