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

What the report says

Israel’s finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, announced a 113 million shekel ($37 million) allocation to help Israeli authorities take control of more than 70 historical sites in the occupied West Bank, according to Al Jazeera. The funding was approved by a government steering committee on Tuesday and is intended to speed up work on landmarks that Israel classifies as Jewish heritage sites.

Al Jazeera reported that the new money builds on a separate 250 million shekel ($83 million) plan approved in May to claim archaeological sites across the West Bank, the Jordan Valley and other areas. The committee also said the Settlements Ministry will receive additional direct funding and commitment authorisations, while Israel’s Knesset Finance Committee approved further support for the ministry on the same day.

Smotrich described the plan as tied to visitor centres and research facilities, and Palestinian media said one possible target is Solomon’s Pools near Bethlehem. Al Jazeera noted that the occupied West Bank contains many archaeological and heritage sites, and that Israel has used heritage designations as part of a wider effort to extend state control over Palestinian land and property.

The report comes amid continued settlement expansion and rising violence in the West Bank. Al Jazeera said Israeli settlements remain illegal under international law, and cited Palestinian media figures showing thousands of settler and military attacks so far this year.