Israel approves $334M for roads linking illegal settlements in occupied West Bank

The Israeli government has approved over 1 billion shekels ($334 million) to construct and enhance roads connecting settlements in the occupied West Bank. Channel 7 reported that the funding, approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, will finance new roads and upgrade existing infrastructure linking dozens of settlements authorized by the Security Cabinet. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called the decision "historic," stating it would facilitate the establishment of dozens of settlements in "strategic locations." The multi-year plan includes planning, construction, expansion of transportation infrastructure, stronger links between settlements, and additional security measures. The UN considers Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank illegal under international law.