Israel accelerates West Bank settlement expansion ahead of elections to entrench facts on ground

Israeli government is expediting settlement construction in the West Bank and occupied East Jerusalem ahead of elections, aiming to create irreversible facts on the ground. This follows a pattern of pre-election settlement pushes, but the pace and scope signal an intent to constrain any future government's policy options. The move is likely to heighten tensions with Palestinians and draw international criticism, though its immediate market impact is limited.