Israeli Cabinet OKs $434 million plan for building, developing Judea and Samaria towns
The Israeli Cabinet approved a 1.3 billion shekel ($434 million) plan to establish and develop dozens of Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said on Tuesday. "Together with [Settlements and National…
Assessment
The Israeli Cabinet has approved a substantial budget for developing Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria, signaling a major policy push. Finance Minister Smotrich framed the decision as a direct contrast to opposition figures Eisenkot and Golan ahead of the October election. The plan introduces a fast-track mechanism using pioneer neighborhoods to bypass slower permanent development processes. The political stakes are high, as this move could reshape settlement expansion and become a central campaign issue.