RIYADH: Saudi Arabia condemned on Saturday Israel’s Security Council decision to expand settlements in the occupied West Bank. 

The ministry affirmed the “Kingdom's categorical rejection of the ongoing Israeli violations of international law”, it said in a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency.

It also warned of the “dire consequences” if Israeli authorities continued with the settlement expansion plans.  

Israel’s hardline finance minister said on Thursday that the government would promote West Bank settlements and punitive measures against the Palestinian Authority in response to Palestinian moves against Israel on the international stage.

A senior Palestinian official rejected the move, saying it was aimed at pursuing a “war of genocide” against Palestinians.

The Muslim World League (MWL) also on Saturday strongly condemned the Israeli occupation's decision to expand settlement activities in the West Bank.

In a statement issued by its Secretariat General, the MWL denounced the continued violations of international law and resolutions of international legitimacy by the Israeli occupation forces.

It emphasized the gravity of these violations on security and stability in the region and the world, undermining the chances of a solution and efforts to achieve a just and comprehensive peace in the region.