"Israel" has approved 113 million shekels ($37 million) in funding to take control of more than 70 historical and archaeological sites across the occupied West Bank, as part of a broader plan to expand state control over heritage locations in Palestinian territory.

Anadolu Agency reported that the funding was approved on Tuesday by a government steering committee and builds on a 250 million shekel ($83 million) plan announced in May to promote the takeover and development of archaeological sites across the occupied West Bank, the Jordan Valley, and other areas.

The decision was announced by far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who has overseen policies aimed at strengthening settlement expansion in the occupied territory.

"This is a Zionist act of the highest order. A people without a past has no future," Smotrich said, referring to plans to establish visitor centers and research facilities at the sites.

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