Israel Gives Millions to Sanctioned Settlement Group

The Israeli government is transferring four million shekels (about $1.31 million) to a group that supports illegal settler outposts in the occupied West Bank. The group, called Ahavat Gilad ("Love of Gilad"), was sanctioned by several countries including France, the UK, and Canada in June for its role in settler violence. The money will come from the Ministry of National Security, led by far-right politician Itamar Ben Gvir. According to Israeli media, the funds are meant to "reduce incidents of violence" and create a network of mentors for young people staying on farms in the West Bank, which Israel refers to as Judea and Samaria. The payment will be made over a year and a half, with an option to extend. This follows a national plan approved by the Israeli government in May to address what it called a "negative phenomenon among youth" in the West Bank. Settler attacks on Palestinians have increased recently. Critics say the move rewards a group that was sanctioned for supporting violence. Ahavat Gilad was found to have transferred donations from the Farms Union directly to illegal outposts, helping finance settler violence. The international sanctions were imposed after evidence emerged of the group's involvement in facilitating attacks. The transfer has drawn criticism from human rights groups, who say it undermines efforts to hold settlers accountable. The Israeli government has not commented on the sanctions.