Smotrich claims cabinet okayed outpost legalization, sanctions against PA officials

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich says the security cabinet has approved his proposal to legalize five West Bank outposts and a series of sanctions against the Palestinian Authority, according to a statement carried by Hebrew-language media outlets.

The apparent announcement comes after the security cabinet was said to break for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to consult with advisers, amid concern approving the moves could worsen tensions with the United States.

There is no official confirmation from the government or Netanyahu’s office.

The outposts reportedly set to be legalized are Evyatar in the northern West Bank, Sde Efraim and Givat Asaf in the central West Bank, and Heletz and Adorayim in the southern part of the territory. The cabinet also okayed the publication of tenders for thousands more homes in settlements, according to the statement.

Among the steps proposed by Smotrich against the PA are the cancellation of exit visas for PA officials and restrictions on their movement and the transfer of enforcement responsibilities from the PA to Israel over a nature preserve in the Judean desert that the right-wing groups — including one founded by the minister — claim has seen unbridled Palestinian building activity damaging heritage sites and the environment.