sebastia west bank archaeological site israel palestinians 1234771807
Israeli authorities have announced plans to seize a 182-hectare archaeological site in the West Bank town of Sebastia, the largest such land seizure for an archaeological project since 1967. The plan includes building a visitor center, parking lot, and a fence that would separate the site from the Palestinian town, cutting off local access to both the ruins and surrounding olive groves. The move has been denounced by Palestinian residents and officials as an aggression that threatens livelihoods and erases Palestinian identity.
The seizure is framed by Israeli authorities as a heritage project to strengthen the connection between people and their history, citing the site's biblical significance as the ancient capital of Samaria. Critics, including Israeli NGO Emek Shaveh, argue archaeology is being weaponized for political annexation, setting a dangerous precedent under Israel's current government. The controversy highlights the intense politicization of cultural heritage in the region, where control over historical narratives and sites is a central point of conflict between competing national claims.