Israel starts process of authorising new West Bank settlements

The Israeli government has taken steps to authorise four new Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank.It has begun a legal process that could see four settlement outposts given legal approval under Israeli law

The outposts affected by the latest move include Givat Assaf, east of the Palestinian city of Ramallah, which was previously ordered to be demolished. The others are Haroeh, north of Ramallah, Maale Rehavam, east of Bethlehem and Mitzpe Lachish, south of Hebron

The Israeli Supreme Court has received a document from the Israeli government saying it is examining ways to authorise four settlement outposts in the West Bank.

Under international law all of the settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem are illegal. 

The decision(Israel Process of authorizing new West Bank Settlements) has been condemned by Palestinian officials.