Israel to fund 61 new settlements in the West Bank

The Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is set to approve a plan that would finance the construction of 61 new settlements in the occupied West Bank. The proposal allocates more than $350 million over several years for temporary housing units, public facilities and infrastructure, allowing the settlements to be built before formal planning approvals are completed. The move is aimed at expanding Israeli control in Area C and is expected to be signed into law on Thursday, ahead of a scheduled Knesset vote and upcoming elections. Internationally, the settlements are deemed illegal under international law, and the plan is likely to provoke strong Palestinian and global criticism, further complicating the two‑state solution.

No official Israeli statement confirming the plan has been released yet, and Palestinian authorities have not provided an immediate response. Observers note that the timing of the funding decision could make it harder to allocate large budgets if a new election is called.