Israel’s security cabinet has approved 1.3 billion shekels ($434 million) to establish 34 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, a move likely to intensify international criticism and further complicate prospects for a future Palestinian state.
Israel’s security cabinet has approved a 1.3 billion shekel ($434 million) budget to build 34 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, according to Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
The announcement marks another major expansion of Israeli settlements in the territory and is expected to increase tensions with Palestinians and draw renewed international scrutiny.
Settlement Expansion Plan
Smotrich said the newly approved projects would raise the total number of settlements established during his four-year tenure to 103.
He also announced that an additional 1.075 billion shekels would be allocated to construct and improve roads serving the new settlements.
The funding proposal had been referred to Israel’s security cabinet by government ministers last month before receiving final approval.
Smotrich Hails ‘Historic’ Decision
Describing the cabinet’s decision as “historic,” Smotrich called it a day of celebration for Israel and the settlement movement.
He thanked Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for supporting the initiative.
Smotrich, leader of the Religious Zionism party, has consistently opposed the creation of a Palestinian state and said the expansion would strengthen Israel’s security and reinforce its presence in what he referred to as Judea and Samaria, the biblical term used by Israel for the West Bank.
International Opposition
The settlements remain highly controversial under international law.
The United Nations, the Palestinian Authority, and most countries consider Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank to be illegal under international law and view them as a major obstacle to achieving a negotiated two-state solution.
Israeli governments have disputed that legal interpretation.
Rising Regional Tensions
The announcement comes amid heightened tensions across the occupied West Bank, where reports of violence involving Israeli settlers and Palestinians have increased in recent months.
The settlement issue remains one of the most contentious aspects of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and is expected to feature prominently ahead of Israel’s October 27 legislative elections, with opinion polls suggesting a closely contested political race.
