Government to Approve NIS 1 Billion Road Plan for Judea and Samaria Settlements

The upcoming government decision marks a significant step in the expansion of infrastructure across Judea and Samaria. The plan, which has been formulated over the past two months, involves coordination between the Settlement Directorate within the Defense Ministry, the Transport Ministry, and the Finance Ministry. According to reports, the budget will be split between the Defense and Transport ministries to facilitate the rapid development of these routes.

Strategic Infrastructure and Northern Samaria

A central component of the plan is the inclusion of the four settlements in northern Samaria—Ganim, Kadim, Sa-Nur, and Homesh—which were evacuated as part of the 2005 disengagement. This move follows legislative efforts to repeal parts of the Disengagement Law, signaling a clear policy shift toward re-establishing and securing a permanent presence in that region. Minister Smotrich described the decision as "historic," stating that it would enable settlement at strategic points and ensure that any future settlements approved by the government would be automatically integrated into this infrastructure framework.

Security and Political Context

The initiative is framed by its proponents as a vital security measure. Smotrich noted that the road network is part of a broader "settlement-security revolution" intended to strengthen Israeli sovereignty and prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state. The timing of the approval is also notable, occurring just before the government potentially transitions to a caretaker status. In addition to the road plan, tax authorities have recently notified residents of 64 settlements in Judea and Samaria of their eligibility for a 7% tax benefit, retroactive to January, further underscoring the current coalition's focus on bolstering these communities.