Israel's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has announced an allocation of 113 million shekels (approximately $37 million) to extend state control over more than 70 historical and archaeological sites across the occupied West Bank. The funding, approved by a government steering committee on Tuesday, is part of a broader push that includes a previously authorised 250 million shekel ($83 million) plan announced in May targeting archaeological sites across the West Bank and the Jordan Valley. On the same day, the Knesset's Finance Committee separately approved close to 300 million shekels (around $99 million) in direct funding and commitments to Israel's Settlements Ministry, signalling a significant acceleration of Israeli activity in the territory.

Smotrich, describing the move in nationalist terms, said the plans include building new visitor centres and research facilities at sites Israel designates as Jewish heritage locations. While specific sites were not officially named, Palestinian media reported that the initiative targets Solomon's Pools, a historic landmark near Bethlehem — a site Smotrich has previously sought to bring under Israeli authority. The West Bank, a landlocked territory between Israel and Jordan under Israeli military occupation since 1967, is home to thousands of archaeological and heritage sites, many of which predate modern statehood and carry deep significance for multiple communities.

The announcement has drawn sharp criticism in the context of broader Israeli settlement activity. According to Smotrich himself, approximately 104 settlements and 160 outposts have been approved in the West Bank since 2022. Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank are considered illegal under international law. Palestinian sources have also documented more than 11,000 settler and military attacks across the West Bank so far this year, framing the heritage funding as part of a wider pattern of displacement and land seizure.

The development comes as tensions remain acute across the Palestinian territories. In Gaza, mediator states Qatar, Egypt and Turkey issued a joint condemnation of what they described as ongoing Israeli violations of a ceasefire agreement, following renewed Israeli strikes that reportedly killed over 20 people. The three countries — all central to brokering the October ceasefire deal — warned that the attacks were undermining efforts to advance a second phase of the agreement, particularly after Hamas signalled acceptance of a proposed roadmap. Gazan health authorities say at least 1,230 Palestinians have been killed since the truce was concluded.

Taken together, the funding decision and the breakdown in Gaza negotiations point to an increasingly assertive Israeli posture across Palestinian territories, drawing concern from international observers and regional actors alike about the prospects for any lasting political resolution.