Israeli plan would add 35 isolated West Bank settlements to new 'national priorities map'

[Jefferson23]

'Border proximity’ criterion gets more weight in new system; plan contravenes understandings between Israel, U.S. that prohibit granting economic incentives to encourage people to move to the settlements.

The Israeli government approved Sunday new criteria for granting government assistance to communities, adjusting the regulations in a way that government officials said would add 35 isolated West Bank settlements to the list of favored communities, or “national priorities map.”

Residents of “priority list” communities receive income tax breaks and other housing, infrastructure, education, security and culture subsidies. The government allocates some 750 million shekels ($213.7 million) each year just for the income tax benefits.

None of the settlements expected to be included are in the settlement blocs that, it is widely assumed, will be annexed to Israel if an agreement with the Palestinians is ever reached. Most of the beneficiaries are in the Jordan Valley and the Hebron Hills.

The plan contravenes understandings between Israel and the United States that prohibit granting government economic incentives to encourage people to move to the settlements.

http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/.premium-1.574590