Israeli NGO Highlights 100 Lavish Palestinian Villas in West Bank

An Israeli NGO named Regavim has published a photo book, "Real Estate Under Occupation," showcasing 100 luxurious Palestinian villas and properties located in the West Bank (referred to as Judée-Samarie in the source). The organization claims its teams photographed all the featured homes in a single day.

The book details opulent estates, including one in Shuqba spanning 4,800 square meters with a central pool and landscaped grounds, a neoclassical property in Nahalin with seven balconies and a turret, and residential complexes in Khirbet Zif featuring gardens, guest houses, saunas, and private access roads. Regavim states the property sizes include land and outbuildings, not solely habitable areas.

Regavim, an organization focused on land and construction issues, aims to counter the prevalent narrative of Palestinian poverty abroad. The book juxtaposes sarcastic commentary on deprivation with images of these luxurious residences. Naomi Kahn, director of Regavim's international division, stated the goal was to "turn the camera in another direction," arguing that these examples of private wealth should be considered in public and diplomatic discussions, without denying the existence of poverty.

Some of the photographed properties are located in areas like Mukhmas, Deir Dibwan, and Turmus Ayya, which have ties to Palestinian communities in the United States. The book notes that some houses appeared unoccupied, but seasonal use could not be determined. The mayor of Turmus Ayya estimates about 80% of his town's residents are U.S. citizens, a figure not necessarily applicable to other villages.

The book's images highlight significant private wealth but do not represent the living conditions of the entire Palestinian population, nor do they constitute a census of real estate or an average standard of living. Economic data from the World Bank's May 2026 report indicates that the West Bank economy grew about 3% in 2025, aided by a partial recovery in Palestinian employment in Israel. However, activity remains below pre-October 2023 levels, with unemployment at 27.5% by the end of 2025.

The administrative status of some properties is also noted, with some located in Area B and others in Area C, where Israeli authorities control planning and building permits. Determining the legality of construction would require exact locations and permit records, which the photographs alone do not provide. The UN also documents Palestinian difficulties in obtaining permits in Area C. Regavim's book introduces images of wealth rarely associated with the West Bank, presenting a curated selection to support its argument about a specific reality, not the entirety of Palestinian life.