PAKUAN MEDIA, GAZA – Tensions in the West Bank region have increased again after the Israeli government approved a budget of more than 1 billion shekels or around 270 million US dollars (around Rp. 4 trillion) for the construction of road infrastructure connecting illegal settlements.
Citing a report by Israeli media Haaretz, the initial stage of this project includes the allocation of around 3 million shekels for the preparation of a technical plan. The proposal is targeted to be submitted to the government within 45 days to obtain further approval.
However, Israel has not disclosed in detail the location of the roads that will be built. This project is planned to take place between 2026 and 2028 and will connect a number of settlements in the region.
Illegal Settlements in the Spotlight
Currently, about 750,000 Israeli settlers live in the West Bank, including about 250,000 in East Jerusalem. The existence of these settlements has long been in the international spotlight because it is considered to violate international law.
Global organizations such as the United Nations (UN) have repeatedly emphasized that the construction and expansion of settlements in occupied territories has no valid legal basis.
Also Read: Not Bullets, Not War: The Mystery of Serial Deaths in the Israeli Military Soars
Escalation of Violence Continues
In the midst of these development plans, the security situation in the West Bank also continues to worsen. Since October 2023, more than 1,100 Palestinians have reportedly died as a result of violence involving Israeli forces and settlers. In addition, nearly 11,750 other people were injured.
It is feared that the construction of this new infrastructure will further strengthen Israel’s control over the occupied territories, while at the same time narrowing the living space of Palestinians.
Global Criticism and Concerns
This plan has the potential to trigger wider criticism from the international community, especially regarding its impact on the prospects for peace in the region.
Many parties believe that building roads connecting illegal settlements will actually deepen long-standing conflicts.
With this project of fantastic value, the future of stability in the West Bank is again being questioned, whether this step will strengthen domination, or actually prolong the circle of conflict that has yet to find an end.***
