A Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs (JCFA) article by Lt. Col. (res.) Maurice Hirsch claims the historic Solomon's Pools site near Bethlehem has been neglected under Palestinian Authority management for 30 years, while arguing that Israeli visits to the site are legitimate expressions of concern, not attacks.
An article published by the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs (JCFA) claims that Solomon's Pools, an ancient water system south of Bethlehem, has suffered decades of neglect under Palestinian Authority administration. The piece, authored by Lt. Col. (res.) Maurice Hirsch, argues that the PA could have developed the site into a major tourist destination and revenue source but instead allowed it to deteriorate. Hirsch also addresses the broader Oslo Accords context and the struggle over the site's historical narrative, contending that Israeli visits to the area reflect genuine interest and concern, not acts of aggression. The article concludes that regardless of administrative status, the site's restoration and safe access for Israelis must be ensured. No response from the Palestinian Authority has been reported yet. The analysis is attributed solely to the researcher and the JCFA; its claims are not independently verified by The Zioneer.
2 developments
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