Israel approves $37m to seize 70 West Bank sites

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced a 113 million shekel ($37m) allocation to take control of more than 70 historical sites across the occupied West Bank, after a government steering committee approved it Tuesday. The funding builds on a $83m plan from May and comes alongside nearly $99m in separate Knesset approvals for settlement expansion. Palestinian media say the sites include Solomon’s Pools near Bethlehem. Settlements are illegal under international law.