Israel Develops West Bank Reservoir, Diverting Palestinian Water

Israel is proceeding with the development of a new reservoir in the occupied West Bank, a project that involves the diversion of water resources previously accessible to Palestinian communities. This initiative, referred to as ‘Herod’s Pool’ by some, is situated on land within the West Bank, a territory under Israeli occupation since 1967. The construction and operation of this reservoir are expected to significantly impact water availability for Palestinians in the region, exacerbating existing water scarcity issues.

The project's location in the West Bank is a critical factor, as the territory's water resources are a subject of ongoing dispute and international scrutiny. International law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention, generally prohibits an occupying power from exploiting the resources of occupied territory for its own benefit at the expense of the local population. The diversion of water from Palestinian areas to supply Israeli settlements or other Israeli infrastructure raises significant legal and humanitarian concerns.

Water management in the West Bank is a complex issue, with Palestinians often facing severe restrictions on their access to and use of water, particularly in Area C, which constitutes approximately 60% of the West Bank and is under full Israeli administrative and security control. Israel controls the vast majority of the shared water resources, including the Mountain Aquifer, which is a primary source of water for both Israelis and Palestinians. The development of new infrastructure like ‘Herod’s Pool’ further concentrates control over these vital resources.

Palestinian officials and rights groups have condemned the project, arguing that it constitutes a violation of international law and further entrenches the occupation. They highlight that such actions undermine the potential for a future Palestinian state and contribute to the displacement of Palestinian communities due to resource deprivation. The implications extend beyond immediate water access, affecting agricultural livelihoods and overall economic development in Palestinian areas. The international community has largely maintained a stance that Israeli settlements and related infrastructure in the occupied West Bank are illegal under international law, and this reservoir project is likely to face similar condemnation and calls for its cessation.