Press Releases
Approval by the Government of Israel regarding new settlements (Statement by Press Secretary KITAMURA Toshihiro)
December 24, 2025
- The Government of Japan is deeply concerned about the approval by the Government of Israel to construct eleven new settlements and legalize eight outposts in the West Bank, and reiterates its deep regret over the continuing settlement activities by the Government of Israel despite repeated calls by the international community, including Japan.
- Settlement activities are in violation of international law and undermine the viability of a two-state solution. The Government of Japan once again strongly urges the Government of Israel to redress the decision and fully freeze its settlement activities, noting that the Government of Japan have taken sanction measures against four settlers involved in violent acts to date in coorperation with the international community. The Government of Japan is also seriously concerned about the reported rise in settler violence committed against Palestinians. The Government of Japan condemns such violence and calls on the Government of Israel to take appropriate measures promptly to prevent settler violence.
- The Government of Japan reiterates the urgency to refrain from actions that escalate tensions, including those in the West Bank, amidst ongoing international efforts to stabilize the situation surrounding the Gaza Strip.