Israel Threatens to Seize Ancient Pools Near Bethlehem, Escalating West Bank Tensions

Israel is threatening to seize Solomon’s Pools, ancient water reservoirs near Bethlehem, in a move that would mark a major escalation in the struggle for control of West Bank land and the region’s historical narrative. Built in the second century BCE, the pools have long served as a recreational site for Bethlehem residents. Under a 30-year-old agreement, Palestinian authorities own the site. In May, Israel’s far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, explicitly threatened to “erase” that agreement. Since then, Israeli settlers and troops have increased their presence around the historic location.