Israel allocates billions for West Bank settlement expansion

The Israeli government has announced a multi-billion shekel allocation and signed a framework agreement to expand settlements in the occupied West Bank.

• The government announced an 8.5 billion shekel ($2.8 billion) allocation for expanding West Bank settlements on Tuesday.
• It signed a framework agreement to build 12,000 new housing units and infrastructure projects, attended by Prime Minister Netanyahu and Finance Minister Smotrich.
• Netanyahu said the northern West Bank is "the roof that protects the state of Israel."
• Peace Now said about 500,000 Israeli settlers live in West Bank settlements, with another 250,000 in East Jerusalem.