What is ‘Herod’s Pool’, and why is Israel developing it in the West Bank?
Summary
Israel has started a project to develop an outdoor pool called "Herod’s Pool" in the occupied West Bank, where settlers illegally redirected water from a nearby Palestinian village. The pool sits on land owned by a Palestinian farmer, but Israeli officials are focusing on preserving the site for its connection to ancient Jewish history.Key Facts
- The pool, named “Herod’s Pool,” is in the Palestinian village of Fasayil near Jericho.
- Settlers illegally took water from a Palestinian spring to fill the pool over the summer.
- The land where the pool is located belongs to Palestinian farmer Saad Nemer and his family.
- Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced funding and development for the pool, highlighting its historical importance.
- Archaeologists have not confirmed when the pool was built or that it belonged to King Herod.
- The Israeli military administration admitted the water diversion happened without permission and promised an investigation.
- Palestinians view the water diversion as part of a broader effort to take control of West Bank resources.
- The project is part of a trend where archaeology is used politically to support Israeli claims in occupied territories.
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