Israel approves millions in West Bank settlement spending

OCCUPIED JERUSALEM — Israel's government on Sunday approved some $18 million in additional financing for West Bank settlements, calling it a response to security concerns, though the money is to be used in a variety of ways.

The decision by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing Cabinet will see some 70 million shekels ($18 million, 16 million euros) allocated to settlement-related spending.

According to Haaretz newspaper, the amount is in addition to an already allocated $88 million.

Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank are considered illegal under international law and major stumbling blocks to peace as they are built on land Palestinians view as part of their future state.

The United States, the European Union and many others in the international community have called for a halt to settlement building.

Netanyahu's government is, however, considered the most right-wing in Israel's history, with key members of his Cabinet strong supporters of settlement building and opponents of a Palestinian state.

The premier faces steady political pressure to support settlements and settlement building, which receive a range of government assistance.

The government argued the increase was needed due to security concerns. A wave of Palestinian knife, gun and car-ramming attacks began in October, with much of the violence occurring in the West Bank.

Speaking at the start of the Cabinet meeting, Netanyahu called it “an assistance plan to strengthen communities” in the West Bank, saying it would “strengthen security, assist small businesses and encourage tourism”.

Beyond security, it will include spending on tourism infrastructure, sport facilities and cultural events, ministers said.

Palestine Liberation Organisation Secretary General Saeb Erekat called the move a “slap in the face of the international community”.

“Israel is doing everything possible to sabotage every effort to achieve a just and lasting peace,” he said in a statement.

Opposition lawmaker Amir Peretz of the Zionist Union accused the government of “wasting money on political settlements” instead of helping families within Israel.

Besides the settlement money, the government was also expected to approve the allocation of 80 million shekels ($20.7 million, 18.3 million euros) to ultra-Orthodox Jewish seminaries.

The ultra-Orthodox establishment also wields significant political power in Israel and its politicians have often played a kingmaker role.