Israeli government funnels millions of shekels to sanctioned settlement group

What Happened

Israel’s Ministry of National Security, led by far-right minister Itamar Ben Gvir, is set to transfer four million shekels ($1.31 million) to Ahavat Gilad, a group sanctioned in June by France, the UK, Canada, Norway, Australia, and New Zealand for facilitating and financing settler violence in the occupied West Bank. Haaretz reported, citing ministry documents, that the funds are part of a government ‘national plan’ approved in May to reduce violence among youth on settler farms in ‘Judea and Samaria’ by establishing a network of mentors. The ministry selected Ahavat Gilad because of its ties to ‘farmers, the army, the police and government ministries’, and defended the move as necessary to align ‘reality on the ground’ with the ministry, dismissing criticism as ‘baseless claims by anti-Israel elements’. The payment will be made over a year and a half, with possible extension.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The funding directly challenges a coordinated international punitive action by six allies who have blacklisted Ahavat Gilad for its role in settler violence. It signals that the Israeli government is willing to publicly underwrite a sanctioned group under the guise of anti-violence programming, potentially deepening diplomatic friction and emboldening further settlement expansion. The move also highlights the influence of far-right coalition members in shaping policy that contradicts stated commitments to curb West Bank extremism.

Watch For

Monitor whether the 18-month mentor program begins or faces delays; any renewed or additional sanctions from the six countries or the European Union; escalation in settler attacks linked to the funded outposts; legal challenges in Israel against governmental funding of a sanctioned entity; and statements from the US and other allies.