JNF finances settler attacks on Palestinians in West Bank: Report

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Middle East Monitor
4 Oct 2023 00:09
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The Jewish National Fund allocates $1 million to extreme settlers who are establishing illegal outposts on Palestinian land in the occupied West Bank.

An illegal Israeli settler assaults a Palestinian who set up a tent on his village's land in Halhoul, al-Khalil, occupied West Bank, Palestine, on August 1, 2023. (AFP)

The Jewish National Fund (JNF) has allocated four million shekels ($1 million) to Israelis seeking to set up illegal outposts in the occupied West Bank, the Middle East Monitor reported.

The fund was supposedly intended for vocational training and skill development for Israelis, however, the fund has been redirected towards settler organizations that look to establish illegal settlements on Palestinian lands in the occupied West Bank.

One of the Israeli organizations benefitting from the aid is known as "The Return of Zion to its Soil," which has received half a million shekels in the past and is expected to receive an additional 1.75 million shekels later this year.

Under international law, both settlements and outposts are considered illegal. However, "Israel" distinguishes between the two, amid increased calls in the Israeli occupation government for the legalization of outposts.

When the Israeli Haaretz news website sought information regarding the farms associated with "The Return of Zion to its Soil", the JNF declined to provide details. However, based on social media posts, it appears that settler volunteers are being recruited for activities at a settlement referred to as "Moshe's Farm".

Israeli farms that have been illegally built on privately owned Palestinian land or nature reserves have become the prevalent type of illegal outposts in the West Bank.

The Israeli news website has also said that Moshe Sharvit, the settler who established a farm, has taken violent actions against Palestinians, including hurling stones at them and their livestock, running over herds and cultivated fields, letting his dogs loose to attack Palestinians, and subjecting animals to physical abuse using whips.

Additionally, Haaretz revealed that the Israeli organization "Artzenu", which works on grouping settlers to join illegal farms, has initiated other farming operations with the support of the JNF. This includes providing assistance to settler groups known as "Hilltop Youths," which receive backing from the Israeli occupation government.