Government approves NIS 250M plan to develop heritage sites in the West Bank

The government approves a NIS 250 million plan for the preservation and development of heritage and archaeological sites in the West Bank, the Prime Minister’s Office, Finance, Tourism, Heritage, and Settlement ministries announce in a joint statement.

According to the statement, the plan will include the establishment of new heritage centers and tourism infrastructure, as well as efforts to combat looting and vandalism.

“In the year in which we will mark 60 years since the liberation of Judea, Samaria and Jerusalem, the heart of our homeland, the government of Israel is making a decision of the highest national and historical importance,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says.

“Today we are investing in preserving our past in order to secure our future, strengthen our hold on the Land of Israel, and pass on to future generations the heritage, identity and historical truth of our people,” he adds.

The move comes as the coalition is also advancing legislation to establish an Israeli civilian body responsible for antiquities and heritage sites in the West Bank and Gaza, which critics say amounts to de facto annexation and supporters describe as a way to apply sovereignty in the field of antiquities.

The Knesset Education, Culture and Sports Committee is set to finish preparing the bill for its final readings in the plenum on Sunday.