Two new Jewish settlement outposts have been created on the West Bank in the first such development since 2005. According to Israel’s Peace Now settlement watchdog, an outpost called Nahalei Tal has been set up northwest of Ramallah, and another called Tzufim North has been built near the northern town of Qalqilya. Despite the fact they have been set up without permission, both are already connected to the electricity grid and the water board, indicating the clear backing of the Israeli authorities. The outposts include mobile homes, infrastructure, electricity, water, roads and even air conditioning.

Earlier outposts built on the West Bank (Photo: AP)

The Israeli government distinguishes between settlements built with permission and unauthorized outposts. The international community considers all settlements on the West Bank and in east Jerusalem illegal because the areas were occupied by Israel in the 1967 War.