Israel Announces $400 Million Funding for New Illegal Settlements in Gaza and West Bank

Israel’s defence minister Israel Katz said he will establish three new “Nahal” outposts in northern Gaza, a type of military community that has historically paved the way for civilian settlements. Finance minister Bezalel Smotrich disclosed a budget of 1.3 billion shekels (about $400 million) to expand construction of dozens of new Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.

The announcements came ahead of national elections scheduled for 27 October, with the far‑right coalition seeking to create “facts on the ground” before the vote. Military commander Maj‑Gen Avi Bluth praised the illegal outposts as “security partners.” The plan is being kept secret from the United States, which is expected to oppose it. UN human‑rights officials warned that settler violence amounts to state violence, and National Security Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir has declared that “Gaza is ours,” signalling a broader push for settlement expansion.

The moves are widely regarded as illegal under Israeli law and breach the terms of a U.S‑brokered ceasefire, raising concerns about the impact on the Israeli‑Palestinian peace process and regional stability.