The American CNN network reported that the Israeli government is considering "strengthening" Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank after several countries unilaterally recognized the Palestinian state.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Prime Minister's Office said that all proposals to strengthen settlements in what biblical Israel refers to as Judea and Samaria will be voted on in the next session of the security cabinet.

Norway, Ireland, Spain and Slovenia have all recognized an independent Palestinian state in recent weeks, a move prompted at least in part by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's public refusal to commit to a two-state solution.

The Israeli Foreign Ministry said, "This step is a reward for terrorism and will strengthen Hamas."

The statement also said that Israel will study the measures it will take against the Palestinian Authority as it takes measures against Israel in international bodies.

Earlier this month, the Palestinian Authority applied to join South Africa's case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.

Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said in May that Israel must agree to build 10,000 settlements in the West Bank, create a new settlement for each country that recognizes the State of Palestine, and cancel travel permits for Palestinian Authority officials.

It is unclear whether any of these extreme ideas are part of the proposals currently under consideration in Israel.