Israel approves $37m to seize more than 70 occupied West Bank sites

Israel has allocated 113 million shekels ($37 million) to accelerate its control over more than 70 historical sites across the occupied West Bank, according to an announcement by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. A government steering committee approved the funding on Tuesday as part of an expanding initiative to claim archaeological locations throughout the West Bank, Jordan Valley, and surrounding areas.

The Settlements Ministry will receive 157 million shekels ($52 million) in direct funding alongside 142 million shekels ($47 million) in commitment authorizations from this allocation. On the same day, the Knesset's Finance Committee separately approved approximately 300 million shekels ($99 million) in direct funding and commitments to the Settlements Ministry, demonstrating coordinated financial support across multiple government bodies.

Smotrich characterized the initiative as establishing new visitor centres and research facilities at sites designated as Jewish heritage locations. While specific sites were not named in the announcement, Palestinian media reported that plans include taking control of Solomon's Pools near Bethlehem, a location Smotrich has previously targeted. According to Smotrich, approximately 104 settlements and 160 outposts have been approved in the occupied West Bank since 2022.

The occupied West Bank contains thousands of archaeological and heritage sites, some dating back centuries. International law designates Israeli settlements in the territory as illegal. The funding initiative occurs amid reports of intensified settler violence against Palestinians, with Palestinian media documenting more than 11,000 settler and military attacks across the region during the current year.