Israeli attorney general delays West Bank settlement tender deadline

The office of Israeli Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara announced the deferral to ensure the bidding deadline would occur following election day, according to officials familiar with the decision. The move reflects concerns that proceeding with the tender during the election campaign period could give the impression the project was being used for electoral purposes. By shifting the timeline, authorities aim to insulate the settlement development from allegations of political motivation. The tender process, which would allow contractors to bid on the West Bank construction project, will now commence after voters have cast their ballots. The decision underscores tensions between Israel's judicial and political leadership over settlement expansion policies in occupied Palestinian territories, a contentious issue that regularly features in Israeli elections and draws international scrutiny.