The Israeli government has approved an initial allocation of $51 million for planning work related to 69 settlements and outposts in the occupied West Bank, according to anti-settlement organisation Peace Now.
The group said the funding is the first tranche of a broader package that could total about 1.15 billion shekels ($388 million).
“The government decided to postpone the decision [on the 1-billion-shekel allocation] and refer it to the Security Cabinet which is expected to convene on Sunday,” Peace Now said in a statement.
The organisation said the plan would allow construction to proceed before required planning procedures are completed and accused the government of attempting to bypass existing regulations.
Settlements in the occupied West Bank are considered illegal under international law.
