Israel Plans New Heritage Authority for West Bank Archaeological Sites
A proposed Heritage Authority would assume oversight of archaeological sites in the West Bank from the Civil Administration. The plan follows earlier government funding for site development and ongoing disputes over site management between Israeli and Palestinian authorities.
citizen.co.zaThe Israeli government is considering the creation of a Heritage Authority to manage archaeological sites in the West Bank. The new body would replace the Civil Administration in handling these locations. The minister previously said the government would not allow the erasure of Jewish identity from heritage locations in the area.
Sebastia contains remains from the Kingdom of Israel period and later Roman construction. The site includes a theater, basilica, forum, and approximately 600 stone columns along a Roman avenue. Local council head Mohammad Azem said the site has seen reduced tourism and that agricultural access has been restricted.
He stated that 4,000 residents rely on the area and described current conditions as worse than previous periods of conflict.
Approximately 2,600 archaeological sites exist in the West Bank according to Civil Administration data. A 2023 Heritage Ministry statement listed 3,064 Jewish heritage sites, with 2,452 located in Area C and 1,150 reported damaged. The government approved 32 million shekels in May 2023 to develop Sebastia as a visitor site.
Work has not progressed substantially, with reports citing limited army availability for security at the location.
