Current sectionWest Bank NewsFinance Minister Smotrich currently oversees archaeological affairs in the West Bank. Critics say the expanding archaeological budget is a cover for extending Israeli control over Palestinian-governed sites in Areas A and B, where Israel lacks civilian authority under the Oslo AccordsShare to FacebookShare to XArticle printing is available to subscribers onlyPrint in a simple, ad-free formatSubscribeComments: Zen reading is available to subscribers onlyAd-free and in a comfortable reading formatSubscribeMatan Golan08:23 PM • July 30 2026 IDTThe Israeli Civil Administration was allocated 112 million shekels ($36.5 million) for the development and preservation of archaeological sites in the West Bank, including landmarks in areas under exclusive Palestinian Authority control – where the projects are expected to deepen Israeli control.Loading...Click the alert icon to follow topics:Palestinian AuthorityIsrael settlementsWest BankKnessetOslo accordsAnnexationIsrael archaeologyBenjamin NetanyahuBezalel SmotrichHuman rightsCommentsLoading...In the NewsIn the News: Live UpdatesWest BankNetanyahu-TrumpBen-GvirGaza Board of PeaceBarbara ButchIsrael ElectionsHaQuizHaaretz PodcastPolice to Probe Claim That Likud Ordered MKs to Film Votes for PM Watchdog PickThe Saudi Spin: Is Netanyahu Campaigning Against His Own Defining Legacy?Gaza Agreement 'Nearly Finalized,' Board of Peace Source Tells HaaretzDozens of IDF Soldiers Desert Sde Teiman Base in Protest of CommanderPoll: Netanyahu and Eisenkot's Parties Tied, Bennett-Lapid Merger Lose SeatsRemembering and rebuilding two years laterICYMIAl Jazeera Reportedly Ends Contracts of Over 20 Gazan JournalistsNetanyahu Says Israel Has 'Special Forces' Ready if He's Arrested on NY VisitWith the West Bank Primed to Explode, Israel's Government Sees an OpportunityTwo Israelis, Four Palestinians Killed in Clash After Settlers Enter TownTwo Female Israeli Soldiers Die by Suicide as IDF Mental Health Crisis DeepensThese Young Israelis Are Calling for the Zionist Left to Confront the Occupation