Netanyahu earmarks millions for settler roads in occupied West Bank

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced yesterday that he had earmarked 200 million shekels ($57 million) for settler roads in the occupied West Bank, Israeli media reported.

Netanyahu delivered his remarks to hunger-striking and protesting settlers who had erected a tent in front of his residence, after a meeting with his Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon.

The fund was allocated to complete roads going around the Palestinian city of Qalandiya and near the illegal Israeli settlement of Beit Aryeh in the central occupied West Bank.

During a meeting with settler leaders in October, Netanyahu promised a security package worth 800 million ($228 million) would be part of the 2018 budget.

According to the Times of Israel, Netanyahu said that the remaining 600 million ($171 million) for additional bypass routes and lighting would only be added to the 2019 budget.

Israeli bypass roads aim to connect the illegal Israeli settlements with each other at the expense of Palestinian farms, homes and other facilities.

Israel’s colony-settlements are growing and are illegal; when will it be held to account?