Bezalel Smotrich Allocates 113 Million Shekels to Seize West Bank Sites

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced the allocation of 113 million shekels, approximately $37 million, to seize control of more than 70 historical and archaeological sites across the occupied West Bank. A government steering committee approved the funding on Tuesday, targeting the establishment of research facilities and visitor centers at locations designated as Jewish heritage sites.

This initiative extends state control over Palestinian property and follows a previous 250 million shekel plan introduced in May. Additionally, the Knesset Finance Committee approved nearly 300 million shekels for the Settlements Ministry to manage these developments. While the Israeli government has not released a full list of targeted locations, Palestinian media reports indicate that Solomon's Pools near Bethlehem are among the sites identified for seizure.

Smotrich described the funding as "a Zionist act of the highest order," stating that "a people without a past has no future."