Israel to allocate $338 million for West Bank settlement expansion, rights group says

AI Summary

Israel plans to allocate approximately $338 million to expand settlements and develop infrastructure in the occupied West Bank, according to the Peace Now group. This initiative is championed by far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, who opposes Palestinian statehood.

JERUSALEM, June 11 (Reuters) - Israel is expected to approve on Thursday the allocation of 1 billion shekels ($337.8 million) to build new settlements and connect them to infrastructure in the occupied West Bank, Israeli anti-settlement group Peace Now said. The plan is being promoted by Israel's far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, a proponent of Israeli settlement expansion who has said he wants to bury the idea of Palestinian statehood.