This text discusses the allocation of budgets and economic policies related to Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. The study focuses on observing the private budgets allocated to settlements by government ministries, analyzing the budgets of local authorities within settlement regions compared to those in other areas, and examining tax laws that provide exemptions and tax privileges to settlers and settlements.
The results of the study highlight the presence of a distinct economic policy regarding settlements that differs from Israel's general economic policy. While Israeli governments claim a reduced role and economic functions and delegate economic management to market forces, they continue to allocate significant resources to settlements and take on social and public service functions there.
The study reveals that Israel does not assess the expenses related to settlements based on principles of economic feasibility, rational economics, or financial profit and loss calculations. Instead, it is willing to bear economic and financial costs to achieve strategic political national goals, regardless of the financial burden.
The study argues that the policy of settlement expansion is a central obstacle to peace and security, as well as a significant driver of economic and social disparities among Israelis. It demonstrates how settlements offer various benefits, including subsidized land, reasonably priced housing, government support, advanced infrastructure, educational facilities, tax reductions, and generous social welfare programs, as part of a government policy aimed at encouraging Israeli citizens to live in settlements.
In conclusion, the study asserts that the Israeli government's continued allocation of substantial budgets and investments to settlements in the occupied territories, as well as the resources spent on security aspects, underscores that settlements remain a top priority. This is happening while the government promotes economic necessities that require reducing the welfare of Israeli citizens.
[This research is supported by the Negotiations Affairs Department of the Palestine Liberation Organization.]
