Israel Earmarks $37M to Develop Alleged Jewish Heritage Sites in Occupied West Bank

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

The allocated funding seeks to accelerate Israel's control of historical landmarks across the occupied West Bank.

‘Zionist act of highest order’: Smotrich allocates NIS 113m. to develop West Bank heritage sites

The West Bank is home to over 2,600 archaeological and heritage sites, including the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron, the Qumran Caves in the Judean Desert, and Sebastia.

Israel earmarks $37M to develop alleged Jewish heritage sites in occupied West Bank

Smotrich, leader of the far-right Religious Zionism party, did not identify the targeted sites. / Reuters

Israel allocates $37M to develop Jewish heritage sites in occupied West Bank amid illegal settlement expansion

Israeli finance minister says funds will develop more than 70 sites, without naming them

The politics of archaeology: Israel digs in on control of ancient West Bank sites

The next major fight between Israel and Palestine might be fought not on the ground but below it. Israel is currently attempting to seize the land around archaeological sites throughout the West Bank, the largest of which has an ancient history going back three millennia. But Palestinian officials believe Israel is claiming these areas illegally, and they are revving up for a political battle.Why is Israel going after these sites? Israel is “und…

Israel approves $37 million plan to develop over 70 heritage sites in occupied West Bank

The Israeli government claims that the move will preserve Jewish heritage, while Palestinians and rights groups view it as another step towards consolidating Israeli control over the territory.