Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government approved a new settlement in the occupied West Bank on Sunday, his office said, just two days ahead of a general election.
The approval came as Mr. Netanyahu and his main opponent Benny Gantz sought to rally supporters, with final rallies planned for Sunday evening.
Mr. Netanyahu is seeking to boost turnout among his right-wing base, and he has made a flurry of announcements in recent days that could boost turnout.
On Sunday, the Cabinet agreed to turn the wildcat settlement of Mevoot Yericho in the Jordan Valley into an official settlement, the premier’s office said.
All settlements are viewed as illegal under international law, but Israel distinguishes between those it has approved and those it has not. Around 30 families live in the outpost, which was established in 1999.
Israeli settlers regularly set up caravan homes at sites in the West Bank with the hope of eventually gaining government approval as a settlement, which has repeatedly occurred.
The latest approval follows Mr. Netanyahu’s pledge last week to annex the Jordan Valley, which amounts to one-third of the West Bank, if he wins elections.
