Knesset Committee to Vote on West Bank and Gaza Antiquities Bill

A Knesset Education, Culture, and Sports Committee legal adviser stated on Sunday that a bill to establish a new civilian authority for antiquities and heritage sites in the West Bank and Gaza would mark a significant departure from existing Israeli policy.

The adviser told the committee that the measure could violate international law and interim agreements by extending civilian powers into Areas A and B of the West Bank and into Gaza.

The bill passed its first reading in mid-May and originally covered only the West Bank. Lawmakers later expanded it to include Gaza. If the committee approves the bill on Monday, it can proceed to second and third readings in the Knesset plenum.

The adviser noted that direct Knesset legislation in these territories is considered highly exceptional and could raise constitutional questions under Basic Law: The Military. The adviser also said the legislation could strengthen international claims of creeping annexation.

A representative of the National Security Council requested that the bill be discussed before Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Opposition coordinator MK Merav Ben-Ari criticized the scheduling of the antiquities bill while the Knesset dissolution bill remains stalled in committee.