Israeli Cabinet Approves $370 Million Budget for New Settlements in West Bank

About a month ago, Israel's Security Cabinet approved a budget of approximately 1.3 billion shekels (around $370 million) to establish dozens of new settlements in the West Bank. This funding aims to accelerate the construction of pioneering neighborhoods, infrastructure, and development projects to facilitate rapid settlement expansion. The decision, made public on Tuesday, was proposed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and Settlement and National Missions Minister Orit Strook.

The budget will support the creation of new neighborhoods in settlements previously approved during the current government's tenure, alongside infrastructure development to enable simultaneous habitation and ongoing construction. The plan was formulated by the Prime Minister's Office and will be implemented by the Ministry of Settlement and National Missions and the Ministry of Construction and Housing. This initiative follows recent government decisions funding roads, planning, and security components for these new settlements.

Minister Smotrich emphasized the goal of turning settlement plans into reality, stating that budget decisions for roads, infrastructure, buildings, and caravans are being passed consecutively. He announced that many new settlements will be populated as early as this summer, highlighting strong demand for settlement cores. He thanked the Prime Minister, Defense Minister, and Minister Strook for their support and leadership in executing the plan on the ground.

Minister Strook described the project as the largest Zionist settlement decision in history, surpassing previous efforts like the establishment of 11 settlements. She said the initiative builds a protective barrier for settlements in the West Bank, ensuring no area remains unpopulated. Strook expressed gratitude to Smotrich for leading the effort and to the Prime Minister and his team for their collaborative work in securing the decision.