Israel has approved the construction of 764 new houses in three Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from Palestinian officials and rights groups. The decision, announced by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, is seen as part of a broader strategy to expand settlements, which are widely regarded as illegal by the international community. Palestinian leaders condemned the approval, warning it could escalate tensions and undermine efforts for regional stability. Rights groups accused the Israeli government of moving toward de facto annexation, highlighting the growing number of settlement approvals and the recent surge in settler violence against Palestinians.