'Israel' allocates 2.7 billion shekels to expand illegal West Bank settlements

• 'Israel’s' finance minister directs 2.7 billion shekels to expand illegal settlements and military presence in the West Bank.

In a major move set to reshape the West Bank for years to come, 'Israel’s' Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich is directing unprecedented funds toward the West bank, targeting settlement expansion, and military reinforcement, according to 'Israeli' news outlet Ynet. 

The five-year plan, totaling approximately 2.7 billion shekels, includes funding for expanding illegal settlements, public institutions, and the transfer of key IOF bases to the northern West Bank.

Budget Highlights

• Settlement expansion: 1.1 billion shekels will be allocated to strengthen and establish settlements, including 17 new settlements such as "Ma’alot Halhul, Sha-Nur, and Har Ebal".
• Another 338 million shekels will support 36 settlements in the process of regularisation.
• Infrastructure improvements will cover water, sewage, electricity, and public buildings like synagogues, mikvehs, and community centers in new settlements.
• Housing and absorption: About 20 caravans will be deployed in new settlements to encourage expansion.
• Additionally, 300 million shekels will be allocated across settlements for establishment grants, operational costs, and infrastructure rehabilitation.
• Land registration: 225 million shekels will establish the Taboo Unit to illegally transfer all land records in the West Bank from the Civil Administration to a designated 'Israeli' registry, regulating roughly 60,000 dunams by 2030.
• Security and defense: 140 million shekels are earmarked for roadblocks, while 150 million shekels over three years will enhance bus security in the region.
• The defense budget will also fund smart fences, cameras, and other security equipment in newly established settlements.

Since taking office as finance minister in the 'Israeli' government, Smotrich has sought to expand settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, while also attempting to displace residents and seize their lands and property.