The support comes as Israel is under increasing pressure over settler violence in the occupied West Bank.
Written by: MEE staff
The Israeli Ministry of National Security, led by far-right politician Itamar Ben-Gvir, is preparing to transfer four million shekels ($1.31 million) to a sanctioned group that supports illegal settler outposts in the occupied West Bank, Israeli media reported.
Ahavat Gilad („Love of Gilad”) was one of six organizations sanctioned by France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Norway, Australia and New Zealand in June after it was found to have been involved in facilitating and financing a wave of settler violence across the West Bank.
Ahavat Gilad was sanctioned after it was revealed that it had been funneling donations collected by the Farms Union, which provides financial and organizational support to settler farms, directly to illegal outposts.
Citing documents submitted by the Ministry of National Security, Haaretz reported that the money is intended to „reduce violent incidents” and „establish a mentoring network that will accompany young people on farms in Judea and Samaria.”.
The amount will be paid over a period of one and a half years, with the possibility of extension.
The move comes after the government approved a „national plan” in May to address what it called „a negative phenomenon among young people” in the occupied West Bank, amid a surge in settler attacks on Palestinians.
The plan is reportedly aimed at „preventing young people from falling into a spiral of violence” as Israel comes under increasing pressure to curb settler violence in the West Bank.
According to the documents, the ministry chose Ahavat Gilad because of its „connections with farmers, the army, the police, and government ministries.”.
The ministry said: „An effective response to young people requires ‘responsible adults’ who come from the field, know young people, share their living space with them and enjoy their trust.”.
They further noted that the project aims to create a „professional system” that aligns „on-the-ground reality” with the Ministry of National Security, saying this is necessary to „ensure effective prevention.”.
The ministry told Haaretz: „It is very regrettable that instead of praising the ministry for its move to reduce and prevent violence and risky behavior among young people, the Haaretz newspaper (which ironically would have attacked the ministry if such a plan had not been implemented at all) chose to rely on baseless allegations from anti-Israel elements.”.
