The Israeli government last year financed 68 settler farms in the occupied West Bank with more than $4m, a new report has said.

Settler-monitoring group Peace Now said the funds were used for drones, cars, cameras, and fences, among other “security” equipment.

The Israeli army approved the money and chose which farms would receive the cash, it said.

“Not only does the Israeli government allow settlers to take over lands, establish outposts and farms in violation of the law, and attack and displace Palestinians without any response, it also funds and assists them,” said a Peace Now statement.

“Settler violence is not a bug; it is a feature.”