Israel’s Security Cabinet Approves Nearly Half a Billion Dollars for New Settlements in Occupied West Bank

Israel's security cabinet has approved nearly half a billion dollars in funding for 34 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, according to far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. This decision follows the establishment of 103 Israeli settlements in the West Bank under Smotrich's tenure, actions that violate international law. The move occurs amidst increasing Israeli settler violence against Palestinians and their property. Smotrich stated, "We are making sure that the decisions we have made regarding the legislation and establishment of the new settlements in Judea and Samaria will not remain on paper but will become reality on the ground." He added that the government is approving "one government budget decision after another — budgets for roads, budgets for infrastructure, and also budgets for constructions, caravans."