Knesset approves $9 million plan to boost tourism in Judea, Samaria

The Israeli Knesset on Sunday approved the allocation of approximately NIS 27 million ($9 million) to develop tourism infrastructure in Judea and Samaria (West Bank), in an effort to expand tourism and create jobs in the region.

Most hotels currently serving the area are located in Bethlehem, which is administered by the Palestinian Authority (PA). The overwhelming majority of foreign tourists visit the West Bank on day trips, returning to hotels in Jerusalem in the evening. The government says it aims to increase the number of hotels near key tourist sites to make visits more convenient and extend stays.

As part of the plan, authorities will advance zoning approvals for hotel construction and invest in supporting infrastructure, including water, electricity and transportation. Officials say the measures are intended to encourage private investment in the sector.

The Tourism Ministry said this week that only about NIS 115 million ($38.3 million) has been invested in tourism infrastructure in the West Bank over the past decade, compared with roughly NIS 2 billion nationwide. It has therefore allocated NIS 7 million ($2.33 million) for a multi-year mapping study to identify land suitable for hotel development and related infrastructure.

Tourism Minister Haim Katz said about the initiative, “For the first time, we will lead a comprehensive initiative combining planning, infrastructure development, the creation of land reserves for hotels, and a dedicated track to encourage hotel construction,” said Tourism Minister Haim Katz. “In doing so, we will remove barriers in the sector, create certainty for investors, and lay the groundwork that will increase the supply of accommodation rooms, attract tourists, and strengthen the local economy.” 

The latest allocation follows a NIS 58 million ($19.3 million) investment announced in February to repair and expand tourism infrastructure across the country, including in the Samaria region.

Tourism Ministry Director-General Michael Izhakov said at the time, “Tourism is a central growth engine and a source of national pride,” adding that infrastructure investment strengthens the visitor experience and encourages international tourism.

Katz also said the projects would “enrich the tourism experience across the country and create new points of interest for visitors,” calling tourism investment an important driver of economic growth and Israel’s standing as a destination.