Israel Allocates Funds to Seize Control of West Bank Heritage Sites

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced a 113 million shekel ($37m) allocation to seize control of more than 70 historical sites across the occupied West Bank. The funding, approved by a government steering committee on Tuesday, builds on a 250 million shekel ($83m) plan from May aimed at claiming archaeological sites in the West Bank, Jordan Valley, and elsewhere. The committee said the Settlements Ministry will receive 157 million shekels ($52m) in direct funding plus 142 million shekels ($47m) in commitment authorisations.

The announcement coincided with the Knesset’s Finance Committee approving nearly 300 million shekels (about $99m) in direct funding and commitments to the ministry. Smotrich called it "a Zionist act of the highest order, adding that "a people without a past has no future, and described plans for new visitor centres and research facilities. Israel designates the landmarks as Jewish heritage sites while extending state control over Palestinian property. Palestinian media reported the plans target Solomon’s Pools near Bethlehem, a site Smotrich has previously sought to control.