Israel approves $434m for 34 new illegal West Bank settlements

Israel’s security cabinet has approved a budget of $434m (1.3b shekels) to build 34 new illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called the cabinet’s decision on Tuesday historic and a “day of celebration for Israel and settlements”, thanking Netanyahu for his support.

Israeli settlements in Palestinian territory are considered illegal under international law and have received widespread condemnation, with several EU countries moving to ban goods produced within them.

The establishment of new settlements in the occupied West Bank has accelerated in recent years during Israel's ongoing genocide in Gaza, with a record number of outposts being approved in April.