Tomorrow, June 10, 2025, the Finance Committee of the Knesset is scheduled to approve a budgetary request submitted by the Finance Ministry for an additional NIS 35 million to fund the construction of cellular antennas in the West Bank by the Civil Administration, aimed at improving cellular coverage for settlers.
In contrast to the situation within Israel, where cellular companies that provide services to consumers are obligated to build their own antennas in order to meet their license requirements, in the case of the settlements, the government is allocating millions of shekels for antennas that will be constructed by a governmental body.
According to the details of the budget request, the antennas will be built by the Civil Administration, and for this purpose, a budget of NIS 35 million is required. These antennas will be leased to both Israeli and Palestinian cellular companies.
Peace Now: “The Israeli government has long since stopped caring about Israeli citizens and the periphery. All of its actions are dedicated to pampering the settlers and deepening Israeli control over the occupied territories. The use of Palestinian funds to build infrastructure for the settlements is the theft of the poor man’s lamb and a violation of international law.”
Source of the money: Taking from the Palestinians for the benefit of the settlers
The budgetary source for funding the antennas is the “Civil Administration Fund for Regional Development.” The fund is based on funds collected from Palestinian residents (via seizures, fines, etc.) and is intended to benefit the Palestinian population. Although Palestinian cellular companies will also be able to rent the use of the antennas, their locations will be chosen according to the needs of the settlers.
This is not the first time the government is using funds intended for Palestinians to support settlement projects. Last March, the cabinet approved the allocation of NIS 335 million from the fund to pave the “Sovereignty Road,” which will enable the closure of central areas of the West Bank to Palestinians.