Israel minister says 'we will build Jewish Israeli state' in West Bank

Defence Minister Israel Katz vowed on Friday to build a "Jewish Israeli state" in the occupied West Bank, a day after the government announced the creation of 22 new settlements in the territory.

Katz's words appeared directed at France's recent criticism of the war on Gaza, and reports that Paris could recongise a Palestinian state, something strongly opposed by Israel.

Israel has illegally occupied the West Bank since 1967 and has seized the Gaza Strip again, reducing much of the Palestinian enclave to rubble in its ongoing offensive.

"This is a decisive response to the terrorist organisations that are trying to harm and weaken our hold on this land - and it is also a clear message to (French President Emmanuel) Macron and his associates: they will recognise a Palestinian state on paper - but we will build the Jewish Israeli state here on the ground," Katz was quoted as saying in a statement from his office.