Israeli Government Channels Millions to Protect Unauthorized Jewish Farms in West Bank
The Israeli government has allocated millions of dollars to safeguard small, unauthorized Jewish farms in the West Bank, aiming to turn them into established settlements, as revealed by an anti-settlement monitoring group, Peace Now.
The funding, totaling $20.5 million last year, was earmarked for security equipment for “young settlements,” referring to the unauthorized farms in the West Bank. This move is seen as backing the expansion of outposts, separate from the officially recognized settlements, which have been linked to settler violence against Palestinians.
The funding decision, made amid the conflict with Gaza last December, was the first of its kind by the Israeli government, highlighting support for the outposts openly. The expansion of these farms and outposts, often leading to violence and displacement of Palestinians, has drawn criticism from Palestinians and the international community.
Despite opposition and international sanctions imposed on hard-line Israeli settlers, Israel continues to promote settlement construction, aiming to solidify its presence in the West Bank. The ongoing conflict and the provocative nature of these actions underscore the challenges in achieving a peaceful resolution in the region.