Netanyahu orders evacuation of some West Bank settler outposts: Minister
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly ordered the evacuation of several illegal West Bank settler outposts following pressure from the United States. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich confirmed the order while expressing his opposition to the move, highlighting internal divisions within the Israeli government.
Why it matters
The decision reflects ongoing tensions regarding Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank and the influence of U.S. foreign policy on regional stability.
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the evacuation of some settlements in the occupied West Bank deemed illegal under Israeli law, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said on Sunday (September 6, 2026).
"To my knowledge, Netanyahu has given the instruction to evacuate" certain settlements, Mr. Smotrich said, adding that he did not approve of the measure.
While all Israeli settlements in the West Bank are considered illegal under international law, some established without government approval — often consisting of just a few prefabricated homes — are also considered illegal by Israel.
Several Israeli media outlets also reported on Sunday (September 6) that Mr. Netanyahu had issued the order, with Israel's largest news site Ynet saying it was the result of U.S. pressure.
At the end of August, Mr. Netanyahu had promised to continue establishing settlements in the West Bank despite growing international backlash.
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