Government to fund restoration of 2,000-year-old Herod’s Pools

Less than a month after Channel 14 aired an investigation into what it described as ongoing water theft at Herod’s Pools in the Jordan Valley, the site was reportedly refilled and drew hundreds of visitors over the weekend. The article says the ancient pool, which had been dry during filming because of systematic water theft, has now become lively again, following pressure from lawmakers and officials.

According to the report, MKs Zvi Sukkot of Religious Zionism and Avichai Buaron of Likud led the campaign to stop the illegal taking of water. They worked with the relevant authorities to end the problem, and by Friday hundreds of tourists and visitors were coming to the full pool. The article presents this as a symbolic recovery of a neglected heritage site.

The main new development is financial support from Finance Minister and Minister in the Defense Ministry Bezalel Smotrich. The report says he has decided to allocate about 3 million shekels for renovation, preservation, and development of the entire area, with the funds coming from his initiative and his ministry. The money will be used along the full water-flow route, from the spring source down to the lower pools.

The stated goal is to prepare the site permanently and eventually allow the pool to operate as a regulated and safe swimming area for the general public. The large-scale conservation and development work is expected to begin in September. The article frames the move as a clear government message that Israel’s heritage and nature sites belong to the Jewish people.