The Israeli government is set to approve a budget on Sunday worth over NIS 1 billion for road construction to and between West Bank settlements, according to a statement released by the Finance Ministry.
The budget, led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, will primarily involve new settlements already approved for construction by Israel's cabinet, including four that were previously evacuated.
The plan's pending approval is in response to a need for safe and secure access to the settlements, the statement read.
According to the ministry, the budget, planned in conjunction with the Settlement Administration, will be split between the Defense Ministry and the Transportation Ministry.
Smotrich noted that the plan also involves establishing "critical security components," saying he is working to "ensure safe and regulated movement in the new settlements."
"The historic decision we approved will allow the establishment of dozens of settlements at strategic points in Judea and Samaria," said Smotrich. "We are leading a settlement-security revolution, with over 100 settlements and 160 farms that fortify the security of the State of Israel and will kill the terrible idea of establishing a terrorist state in the heart of the State of Israel."
The plan will span three years and include the construction of new roads, improvements to existing ones, and security components, the ministry stated, adding that any new settlements approved in the future will be included in the plan.
West Bank hotel budget
The road budget's approval on Sunday will follow the July 5 approval of NIS 27 million allocated to the development and construction of hotels in the West Bank aimed at tourism promotion.
The hotel budget, financed through the Tourism Ministry, will be distributed through 2030 and include grants supporting hotel establishment, conversion, and expansion.
“For the first time, we will lead a comprehensive initiative combining planning, infrastructure development, the creation of land reserves for hotels, and a dedicated track to encourage hotel construction,” said Tourism Minister Haim Katz, noting that the budget will “enable the realization of the enormous tourism potential in Judea and Samaria.”
"We will remove barriers in the sector, create certainty for investors, and lay the groundwork that will increase the supply of accommodation rooms, attract tourists, and strengthen the local economy,” added Katz.
Keshet Neev contributed to this report.