Defence Minister Israel Katz vowed on Friday to build a “Jewish Israeli state” in the occupied West Bank, a day after the government announced the creation of 22 new settlements in the territory.
“This is a decisive response to the terrorist organisations that are trying to harm and weaken our hold on this land -- and it is also a clear message to (French President Emmanuel) Macron and his associates: they will recognise a Palestinian state on paper -- but we will build the Jewish Israeli state here on the ground,” Katz was quoted as saying in a statement from his office.
