Israeli Government Allots $190M for West Bank Annexation, Peace Now Reports
The right-wing Israeli government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has recently approved an additional $190 million in funds targeted towards the annexation of Palestinian land in the occupied West Bank. These funds are intended solely to expand illegal Jewish settlements and further encroach upon Palestinian territories, according to the Israeli organization Peace Now.
In a report titled Funding Annexation: Additional 700 million NIS Earmarked for Settlements in 2023-2024, it was revealed that the Israeli government has devised an extensive plan for unprecedented investment in West Bank settlements. The plan, set to receive an estimated 671.63 million NIS (approximately $190 million) from the 2023-2024 budget, is expected to witness a substantial increase in allocation amounts.
According to Anadolu Agency, a sum of 92 million NIS (about $24 million) has been designated as an undefined grant, granting illegal settlements the flexibility to utilize the funds for various purposes. Peace Now criticized the government’s decision, arguing that instead of investing in Israel’s future, the government is channeling resources into settlements that perpetuate the occupation, fuel conflict, and escalate tensions with the Palestinians.
Currently, there are approximately 700,000 Israeli settlers residing in 164 illegal settlements and 116 outposts in the Occupied West Bank. It is imperative to note that, as per international law, all Israeli Jewish settlements in the Palestinian West Bank and East Jerusalem are considered illegal.
This recent revelation by Peace Now sheds light on the ongoing controversy surrounding the Israeli government’s policies towards the West Bank and its implications for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The government’s allocation of a significant budget towards settlement expansion raises concerns among various stakeholders, both internally and externally, about the potential hindrance to future peace negotiations and the viability of a two-state solution.
While the Israeli government views these settlements as a strategic and security measure, the international community widely considers them an obstacle to peace, undermining the prospects of a future Palestinian state. It is essential to acknowledge the multifaceted nature of this issue, as it encompasses historical, political, and humanitarian dimensions, all of which contribute to the complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
As this matter continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how the international community will respond to Israel’s persistent expansion of settlements in the West Bank. The allocation of substantial funds towards this endeavor has only served to escalate tensions and hinder the prospects of resolving one of the world’s most protracted conflicts.
