Israel approves 1.3 billion Shekels for new settlement development in the West Bank

Israel’s Security Cabinet approved a budget of approximately 1.3 billion shekels ($434,579,210.00 US) for the development of new settlements in the occupied West Bank, according to an announcement made on Tuesday.

The budget, approved about a month ago, is allocated for the construction of residential neighbourhoods, infrastructure, and development works associated with new settlements.

According to the announcement, the funding is in addition to other government decisions made in recent months concerning settlement planning, road construction, and security measures.

The decision was prepared by the Prime Minister’s Office and is scheduled to be implemented through the Ministry of Housing and the Ministry of Construction and Housing.

The Israeli government said the objective is to establish the initial infrastructure needed for the new settlements and accelerate the transition from the planning stage to implementation.

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Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said the government intends to ensure that previously approved decisions on establishing and authorizing new settlements are implemented on the ground.

“We are successively approving government budget decisions that fund roads and infrastructure, and now also buildings and caravan sites,” Smotrich said, adding, “We will move into more settlements this summer.”

Settlement Minister Orit Strock described the decision as one of the most significant settlement initiatives in Israel’s history, saying it would strengthen settlement development across the West Bank.

Construction and Housing Minister Haim Katz said the approved budget would enable the start of infrastructure work, the construction of initial residential neighbourhoods, and the preparation of sites to facilitate the relocation of families.

Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank are considered illegal under international law by the United Nations and most of the international community.

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