The Israeli government has greenlit an additional $274 million for settlement projects within the occupied West Bank. This substantial allocation arrived just hours after the Knesset moved to annex the territory, according to local media reports.

Specifically, Transport Minister Miri Regev and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich approved the $274.6 million budget. This funding is earmarked for critical infrastructure projects and road upgrades, aiming to better connect existing West Bank settlements with Israeli cities.

This significant financial decision closely followed the Knesset's approval of a non-binding motion. This motion advocated for the annexation of the occupied West Bank, signaling a clear intent regarding the future of the territory.

Minister Regev publicly stated that this budget expansion aligns directly with the "clear policy of applying sovereignty" over the West Bank. She emphasized that "billions of dollars were spent for the infrastructure of the settlements" to date, highlighting a long-term strategy.

This new funding underscores Israel's ongoing commitment to expanding and solidifying its presence in the West Bank. It represents a significant financial injection into projects that further integrate the settlements into Israel's infrastructure.

The move is likely to draw considerable international attention and debate, given its implications for the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the potential for a two-state solution.

Source: https://trt.global/world/live/682d0cd9272976ac4c84461d#6882726fdb9b99a3a93368b6