The cabinet approved a 1.3 billion shekel budget for the establishment of new settlements in Judea and Samaria. The approval was given about a month ago, but the decision was kept secret to avoid embarrassing the Americans. The decision was made as part of a proposal by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Settlement Affairs and National Missions Minister Orit Strock. The budget is intended for the establishment of pioneering neighborhoods in dozens of settlements approved in cabinet decisions during the current government's tenure, as well as for the development of infrastructure that will enable the start of settlement while permanent development work continues. This is a continuation of a series of decisions approved in recent months, including funding for roads, planning and security components for the new settlements.