Israel has approved more than $334 million to build and upgrade roads linking settlements in the occupied West Bank. The funding aims to improve transportation infrastructure across the territory. The decision has drawn attention because the settlements are widely considered illegal under international law.
According to Israeli media, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government approved more than one billion shekels for the multi-year project. The plan includes constructing new roads, expanding existing routes, and improving connections between dozens of settlements. Additional security measures are also part of the initiative.
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Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich described the decision as historic. He said the project would support the establishment of dozens of settlements in strategic locations across the occupied West Bank. Smotrich added that improved infrastructure would strengthen access and connectivity throughout the area.
The United Nations considers the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, to be occupied Palestinian territory. It maintains that Israeli settlements in these areas are illegal under international law. Israel disputes aspects of the international legal interpretation regarding the settlements.
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The announcement comes as regional tensions remain high amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. International attention continues to focus on developments in the occupied Palestinian territories. The latest infrastructure plan is expected to attract further diplomatic and political scrutiny.