Israel Funds Takeover of 70+ West Bank Heritage Sites

On August 5, 2026, Israel approved 113 million shekels ($37m) to control over 70 archaeological sites in the occupied West Bank, adding to an $83m 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 in the West Bank are illegal under international law — binding treaties Israel has not overridden.