Israeli authorities are facing accusations of weaponizing archaeology, with plans to protect and develop ancient sites in the occupied West Bank being cited as a pretext for land expropriation and to restrict Palestinian access. The village of Sebastia, home to ancient ruins spanning thousands of years and multiple civilizations including Roman, Jewish, and Crusader eras, is at the center of these concerns.
Palestinian landowners in Sebastia have been notified that approximately 450 acres of their land are being taken by Israeli authorities for the creation of a major new national park. Typically, Palestinian landowners receive little to no compensation for such land expropriations. Many refuse any offered payment, viewing it as an acceptance of legitimacy for the loss of their ancestral lands, which they consider their patrimony.
Abu Mudif, one of the affected landowners, described the expropriation as a profound personal loss, stating, "If I wanted to describe it, the closest description I can give is that it is like having your soul ripped away. I cannot imagine myself without my land." Nahed Sakha, who owns a local restaurant that is now under threat of demolition, believes the Israeli plan aims to sever Palestinian residents' connection to the archaeological site.
Restoration and excavation work has reportedly begun at Sebastia, with landowners being informed that their land will be off-limits for use or cultivation. The United Nations cultural and education agency, Unesco, has recognized Sebastia as a World Heritage Site and has also added it to the List of World Heritage in Danger. Unesco specifically cited the "planned expropriation and creation of the 'Samaria' (Shomron) national park, which could divide the property" as a significant threat to the site.
Mohammed Azem, the village mayor, expressed worries that locals might face issues with Israeli security forces and settlers if they attempt to clean up rubbish left within the ruins. The path running through the site itself delineates different administrative zones: Area B, under Palestinian civil and Israeli security control, and Area C, under full Israeli civil and security control.
These developments follow Israel's allocation of approximately 113 million shekels (£27.8m) last week to expand its control over archaeological sites in the West Bank, including some located in areas administered by the Palestinian Authority. Alon Arad, an Israeli activist with the organization Emek Shaveh, which advocates for shared heritage, criticized the Israeli authorities for bypassing consultation with the local administration and residents of Sebastia. "The thing is that Israel is not the owner of this place. This is a Palestinian heritage site. And in order to develop it in a positive way, it has to be done with the local community, with the municipality, so they can benefit," Arad stated.
The proposed Israeli plans for Sebastia include moving the site's entrance to the opposite side of the vast area, away from the village and its current car park and shops. The Palestinian ministries of tourism and foreign affairs have expressed hope that Unesco's recognition will strengthen international support for their opposition to Israeli land seizures in Sebastia.
However, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has characterized Unesco's move as an effort to undermine historic Jewish ties to the West Bank, asserting, "No vote in an international organisation can change history." Arad further suggested that archaeology is being employed as a pretext by Israeli authorities to facilitate land acquisition.
Similar land expropriations are occurring at other significant archaeological locations. At Herodium, a man-made hill featuring a palace built by King Herod, Israel has begun expropriating about 80 acres for what it states is the "preservation and development" of the site. The Israeli organization Peace Now commented that under international law and Israeli Supreme Court rulings, Israel is prohibited from expropriating land solely for settlement purposes or for the exclusive benefit of Israeli citizens. Peace Now suggests that to legitimize such expropriations, the state will likely argue the sites are intended for use by both Palestinian and Israeli populations, despite indications that the primary motivation is linked to settlement expansion and increased Israeli control.
The Cathedral of St John the Baptist/Mosque of Nabi Yahya is part of the Unesco-listed site
Recently here, too, Israel has begun to expropriate land – this time about 80 acres – for what it says is the "preservation and development" of the site.
