The Israeli cabinet has approved a proposal by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to boost funding and social benefits for tens of thousands of Jewish settlers, AP reported.
An overwhelming majority of lawmakers voted in favor of the proposal Sunday. It will provide preferential treatment to 2 million Israelis, about 100,000 of whom live in West Bank settlements.
The program will grant funds for transportation, education and health care.
The plan appears to be an attempt by Netanyahu to soothe tensions with the settlers, who are furious over new restrictions on construction in the West Bank.
Netanyahu imposed the 10-month moratorium in an effort to jump-start peace talks with the Palestinians.