Israel Approves $37M to Seize Control of 70+ Heritage Sites in Occupied West Bank

On August 5, 2026, Israel's government steering committee approved 113 million shekels ($37m) to take control of more than 70 historical and archaeological sites in the occupied West Bank, building on an $83m archaeological plan approved in May. Targets include Solomon's Pools near Bethlehem. Finance Minister Smotrich called it "a Zionist act of the highest order." Israeli settlements are illegal under international law.