Bethlehem:Jerusalem Israeli authorities have announced a tender for the construction of 732 units in the Gvaot settlement, located west of Bethlehem in the southern West Bank, as reported by a Palestinian government body on Monday.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission stated that Israeli authorities published the tender on Sunday. This move is part of the first phase of a project aimed at expanding illegal settlements within the Bethlehem governorate.

The commission detailed that the tender includes plans for multistory residential buildings, commercial facilities, and public institutions, based on official records from the Israel Land Authority. Bids for these projects will be accepted starting December 1, with a submission deadline of December 28.

In addition to the residential units, Israeli authorities have issued a separate tender for land intended for commercial activities, employment facilities, and public buildings in the same area. The commission highlighted that these tenders signify plans to extend the settlement beyond residential construction by incorporating economic and service facilities.

The commission's review of Israel Land Authority records indicates that between the start of 2026 and November 8, Israeli authorities released at least 28 land tenders across the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Of these, 18 tenders accounted for a total of 7,815 settlement units, while 10 were for nonresidential projects.

Israeli settlement activity has seen a marked increase in the occupied West Bank, characterized by the expansion of existing settlements, establishment of new outposts, seizure of Palestinian land, and demolition of Palestinian structures. Approximately 770,000 Israeli settlers reside in hundreds of illegal settlements and outposts throughout the occupied West Bank, with around 250,000 in East Jerusalem.

The United Nations Security Council Resolution 2334, adopted in 2016, declares that Israeli settlements in the West Bank, occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, lack legal validity and represent a violation of international law.