The Israel Land Authority has issued a tender for the construction of 627 new housing units in Kochav Yaakov settlement, an illegal Israeli settlement located between Jerusalem and Ramallah and el-Bireh. The project, which covers approximately 25.37 hectares (63 acres), was initially approved by Israeli authorities on April 27, 2025, and the deadline for construction companies to submit bids is set for November 30, 2026. Critics argue that this expansion aims to deepen the separation between Jerusalem and its Palestinian surroundings, further entrenching Israeli control in the region. The Palestinian Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission (CRRC) has pointed out a surge in illegal settlement tenders this year, with the latest move marking the transition from planning to construction. The decision is seen as part of a broader strategy by Israel to exert pressure on the Palestinian region, including investments in the settlements' economic infrastructure beyond housing. The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, has repeatedly stated that Israeli settlements have no legal validity and constitute a violation of international law. This latest move comes amidst escalating violence and attacks by Israeli forces and settlers across the occupied West Bank, with over 11,000 incidents reported since January 2026.