Israel has allocated a major budget amount, $400 million, to expand settlements in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, signalling a fresh push to alter the ground ahead of upcoming elections. According to a report
by The Guardian, the plan combines new construction, financial backing, and administrative support.
The move comes as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition is set to face elections on 27 October. Officials appear to be accelerating settlement activity before the current mandate ends.
Plans For New Settlements In Gaza
Defence Minister Israel Katz has proposed setting up three “Nahal” outposts in northern Gaza. These are military-style settlements that often act as a precursor to full civilian habitation.
Such outposts have historically been used to establish long-term Israeli settlements. Experts say the military presence is usually the first step, followed by permanent civilian infrastructure.
Katz indicated that these outposts would be built in areas that previously housed Israeli settlements. The plan suggests a structured return to those locations under military cover.
Advocacy groups monitoring land use say this model has been used for decades. Temporary military zones gradually transition into permanent settlements over time.
In 2016, a United Nations Security Council resolution had declared such Israeli settlements illegal. It had, in its resolution 2334, called them a “flagrant violation” of international law and having “no legal validity”.
Funding Push For West Bank Expansion
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has announced funding of 1.3 billion shekels (around $400 million). This money will support the construction of dozens of new settlements in the occupied West Bank.
The allocation was reportedly approved earlier but kept undisclosed due to expected international opposition. The funds are now being directed toward accelerating construction projects already underway.
Work has already, apparently, begun at multiple sites. Bulldozers are active in several locations, with some settlements expected to be populated before election day.
Military backing for settler outposts has also drawn attention. A senior commander in the West Bank described such groups as “security partners,” indicating coordination between settlers and the military.
Israel’s military control over Gaza has expanded significantly. Officials say about 65% of the territory is now under Israeli control, far exceeding earlier ceasefire terms.
Around two million Palestinians remain confined to a shrinking portion of land. The expansion of settlements and military zones is likely to further intensify tensions in the region.
