WEST BANK:
The Israeli government has allocated millions of dollars to support unauthorised Jewish farms in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, according to an anti-settlement monitoring group, Peace Now. Documents revealed by the group show how Israel’s pro-settler government has funneled money into these outposts, which are separate from its officially recognised settlements.
The Ministry of Settlements and National Missions confirmed it allocated 75 million shekels ($20.5 million) last year for security equipment for “young settlements” – a term used for unauthorised Jewish farms and outposts. The funding was quietly approved in December during the conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
Peace Now disclosed that the funds have been used for vehicles, drones, cameras, generators, electric gates, fences, and new roads to some of the remote farms. The group estimates around 500 people live on these small, unauthorised farms, with an additional 25,000 in larger outposts. These outposts, while not officially authorised, often receive tacit government support before retroactive legalisation.
Hagit Ofran, Peace Now’s settlement watch director, stated this was the first instance of the Israeli government openly channeling money to these outposts. Rights groups have linked the expanding network of remote farms to increased violence and displacement of Palestinians.
Recently, Israel has legalised five previously unauthorised settlements and claimed a large area of the West Bank as state land, preparing for new construction. The international community and Palestinians view all settlements as illegal, undermining the two-state solution.
Read: G7 condemns Israel’s West Bank settlement expansion
The UN’s top court recently deemed Israel’s presence in the Palestinian territories as unlawful, calling for a halt to settlement construction, a move swiftly denounced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu’s far-right government, dominated by settlers, has bolstered settlement activities, with significant roles assigned to pro-settler politicians like Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
The US, UK, and EU have imposed sanctions on 13 hard-line Israeli settlers, associated outposts, and groups over allegations of attacks against Palestinians. The sanctions include asset freezes and travel bans.
Orit Strock, the Minister of Settlements and National Missions, defended the funding, stating it was coordinated with the Defense Ministry and in accordance with all laws. Strock, a long-time settler leader, emphasized the importance of strengthening settlements despite international condemnation.
