Palestinians fear 'archaeology has become a tool' in Israel's plans for West Bank

Palestinians fear that archaeology has become a tool in Israel's plans for the West Bank, particularly in the historic town of Sebastia. Last November, the Israeli Civil Administration issued an order to expropriate nearly 450 acres of privately owned land surrounding the ancient mound. This marks the largest antiquities-related land seizure in the West Bank since Israel's occupation began in 1967.

“

a wonderful example of historical continuity

The Sebastia order encompasses the archaeological site, which is on UNESCO's tentative World Heritage list, along with thousands of privately owned olive trees and 550 private plots belonging to residents of Sebastia and the nearby village of Burqa. A new road is planned to redirect tourism through a settler-controlled route, effectively transferring the economic benefits of the site to Israeli settlement communities.

Talya Ezrahi of the Israeli heritage advocacy group Emek Shaveh stated that Israel plans to separate the archaeological mound from the town. "Their livelihood is based on tourism. And in fact, it also includes a large number of their olive trees. It will have an absolutely devastating effect on the Palestinian town," she said.

“

What Israel is planning to do is to separate the archaeological mound from the town of Sebastia. Their livelihood is based on tourism. And in fact, it also includes a large number of their olive trees. It will have an absolutely devastating effect on the Palestinian town.

This action is part of a broader NIS 250 million ($122.3 million) plan announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and several ministers to develop heritage sites across the West Bank. Netanyahu described the plan as "a revolution in Judea and Samaria," the Israeli name for the West Bank, which includes approving new settlements and housing units. He explicitly linked the investment in heritage sites to "securing our future" and "strengthening our hold on the Land of Israel."

“

Today we are investing in the preservation of our past to secure our future, strengthen our hold on the Land of Israel and pass on to future generations the heritage, identity and historical truth of our people.