Israel expands Herodian National Park to attract global travellers

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

The Civil Administration in Israel has announced the designation of 170 dunams (42 acres) of land surrounding the Herodian (also known as Herodium) National Park and archaeological site in Judea as state land. This development has been welcomed by local authorities as an initial step towards the enhancement of this historical site. This action aligns with a series of similar declarations by the Civil Administration, an arm of the Israeli Defense Ministry.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, under whose jurisdiction the Civil Administration falls due to his role within the Defense Ministry, described this declaration as a significant component of a broader strategy to develop “open spaces” in Judea and Samaria. The Herodian site, a subject of political contention in the past, notably saw unauthorized construction activities by Palestinians, including the erection of a school, which was later ordered to be demolished by Israel’s Supreme Court following a protracted legal battle.

Yaron Rosenthal, the newly elected head of the Gush Etzion Council, publicly commended the decision, emphasizing the Herodian’s status as a pivotal historical landmark in the Land of Israel and its appeal as a global tourist destination. He highlighted ongoing efforts spanning over two decades to elevate the Herodian to a premier tourist and heritage site, viewing this announcement as a key step forward in realizing that vision. Rosenthal’s comments reflect a broader ambition to underscore the historical ties to this region and its potential as an international tourist attraction.

However, the decision has faced criticism from groups such as Peace Now, a left-wing NGO, which argues that the state land declarations serve as a mechanism for Israel to consolidate control over lands in the occupied territories, effectively disenfranchising Palestinian landowners.

This latest land declaration marks the third instance in recent months where the Israeli government has designated land in and around Judea as state land, following earlier declarations affecting substantial areas near el-Azariya and in the Jordan Valley, the latter of which drew criticism from international figures such as French President Emmanuel Macron.

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