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