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

Israel's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich secured NIS 113 million for developing over 70 West Bank heritage sites, calling it a 'Zionist act of the highest order.' The funding will preserve sites, improve access, and boost tourism. The West Bank has over 2,600 archaeological sites, including the Cave of the Patriarchs and Qumran Caves. Previous Israeli initiatives faced international condemnation.

The steering committee approved NIS 113 million to develop heritage sites in the West Bank, an initiative proposed by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. The funding will support preservation, accessibility, rescue excavations, and infrastructure for over 70 sites. Smotrich described the move as a 'Zionist act of the highest order,' emphasizing the connection to the Land of Israel. The West Bank contains over 2,600 archaeological and heritage sites, including the Cave of the Patriarchs and Qumran Caves. The plan follows a NIS 250 million government plan from May. Previous Israeli efforts have drawn international condemnation.