SAFA- Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced on Tuesday the allocation of NIS 1.3 billion (approximately USD 434 million) to establish 34 new settlements in the occupied West Bank.

In a statement, Smotrich described the decision by Israel’s Security Cabinet to approve the budget as “historic” and “a day of celebration for Israel and the settlements.”

“We are strengthening Israel’s security, eliminating the idea of establishing a terrorist state in the heart of the country, and reinforcing our control over the West Bank,” he said.

The announcement follows reports by Israeli media on Saturday that the Israeli government intended to approve a substantial budget to construct transportation networks and develop infrastructure connecting existing settlements with newly established settlements and outposts across the occupied West Bank.

The reports, translated by the Palestinian Safa News Agency, quoted Smotrich as saying the plan “will be historic and will bury the idea of the two-state solution.” It added that the budget, covering the period from 2026 to 2028, is a joint initiative by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Transport Minister Miri Regev.

The plan aims to connect dozens of settlements and isolated pastoral outposts to an expanded network of accessible and secure roads. Smotrich has described the initiative as part of what he calls a “strategic revolution” intended to consolidate the presence of Israeli settlers and strengthen Israel’s control over land in the occupied West Bank. 

The planned settlements would bring the total number of settlements established during Smotrich's four-year tenure to 103.

The United Nations, Palestinians, and the vast majority of countries consider Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory to be illegal under international law, a position rejected by Israel. They also regard the continued expansion of settlements as a major obstacle to achieving a just and lasting peace.