Israel to approve West Bank settlement road budget worth over NIS 1 billion

Israel's government is poised to approve a budget of over NIS 1 billion (approximately $270 million) dedicated to constructing and upgrading roads within and connecting West Bank settlements. The plan, spearheaded by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, is intended to ensure safe and secure access for settlers and incorporates "critical security components."

The three-year initiative will cover new road construction and enhancements to existing infrastructure. Notably, the budget will also accommodate any new settlements that receive approval in the future. This move follows a recent allocation of NIS 27 million for the development of hotels in the West Bank, aimed at boosting tourism in the region.

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The historic decision we approved will allow the establishment of dozens of settlements at strategic points in Judea and Samaria. We are leading a settlement-security revolution, with over 100 settlements and 160 farms that fortify the security of the State of Israel and will kill the terrible idea of ​​establishing a terrorist state in the heart of the State of Israel.

Finance Minister Smotrich described the plan as a "historic decision" that will facilitate the establishment of dozens of settlements in strategic locations within Judea and Samaria. He asserted that the initiative represents a "settlement-security revolution," fortifying Israel's security and countering the establishment of a "terrorist state" in the heart of Israel. The budget will be divided between the Defense Ministry and the Transportation Ministry, in coordination with the Settlement Administration.

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For the first time, we will lead a comprehensive initiative combining planning, infrastructure development, the creation of land reserves for hotels, and a dedicated track to encourage hotel construction. We will remove barriers in the sector, create certainty for investors, and lay the groundwork that will increase the supply of accommodation rooms, attract tourists, and strengthen the local economy.