Israeli Bid to Take Control of Ancient West Bank Sites Faces Sharp Rebuke

SEBASTIA, West Bank — An Israeli bill that would extend civil control over ancient sites in the West Bank has drawn sharp criticism from Palestinians and Israeli rights groups, who say it amounts to annexation of occupied land and would expand Jewish settlements.

The “Heritage Authority in Judea and Samaria” bill passed one of three parliamentary votes in May, but its fate remains uncertain ahead of elections expected by October. The legislation would place Roman, Byzantine, and Crusader‑era sites under the Israeli Ministry of Heritage and allow for “expropriation and purchase of real estate” in the West Bank — effectively stripping oversight from the Palestinian Authority, which has limited self‑rule in parts of the territory under the Oslo accords.

Palestinian tourism minister Hani Al‑Hayek said the move is “intended to expand control and expand settlements… deep inside Palestinian territories.” Israel says the bill’s purpose is to protect ancient sites.

Peace Now, an Israeli settlements watchdog, called the bill “an annexationist measure in every respect,” warning it would lead to broad‑scale confiscation of Palestinian land. The group noted that while using archaeology to expand settlements is not new, the current government’s scope is unprecedented.

In the village of Sebastia in the northern West Bank, residents rely heavily on tourism to a nearby archaeological site. In late 2025, Israel announced plans to seize about 445 acres there, affecting around 5,000 olive trees. “They are incorporating areas containing water resources, roads, and antiquities, leaving us without any resources,” said deputy mayor Nizar Kayed.

The bill has also drawn concern from Israeli scientists. The Israel Academy of Sciences and Humanities called for it to be scrapped, warning it would lead to “an immediate deterioration in Israel’s international relations.”

UN bodies and most countries view Israeli settlements as illegal under international law. Israel rejects this, citing security needs and biblical and historical ties to the land.

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