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

What Happened

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced a 113 million shekel ($37m) allocation to take 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 2024 and will provide 157 million shekels ($52m) in direct funding and 142 million shekels ($47m) in commitment authorizations to the Settlements Ministry. On the same day, the Knesset Finance Committee separately approved close to 300 million shekels ($99m) in direct funding and commitments to the same ministry. Smotrich described the move as 'a Zionist act of the highest order' and referenced plans for visitor centres and research facilities. While specific sites were not officially named, Palestinian media reported that Solomon’s Pools near Bethlehem are among the targets. Smotrich claimed that 104 settlements and 160 outposts have been approved since 2022, and Palestinian media reported over 11,000 settler and military attacks in the West Bank so far this year.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The allocation accelerates Israeli state control over Palestinian heritage sites and territory in the occupied West Bank, effectively annexing property and expanding settlement infrastructure in violation of international law. It coincides with a documented surge in settler violence, further inflaming tensions in the occupied territories and undermining diplomatic efforts toward a two-state solution.

Watch For

Identification of the specific historical sites targeted by the funding, particularly Solomon’s Pools near Bethlehem. Expect Palestinian and international reactions, including possible statements from the Palestinian Authority, UN bodies, or the ICC. Implementation of the new funding will unfold in the coming months, potentially accompanied by additional settlement approvals and continued monitoring of settler violence incidents.