The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine has taken a new turn with the accusation that Israel is weaponizing archaeology in the West Bank. This practice involves the deliberate use of archaeological activities to exert control over land and historical sites, often to the detriment of the local Palestinian population. The article highlights two specific cases: Sebastia and Herodium.
Sebastia: A World Heritage Site in Peril
In Sebastia, an ancient Roman site in the occupied West Bank, Palestinian families have cultivated olive fields for generations. However, the Israeli authorities have now taken possession of approximately 450 acres of land, citing the need to protect and develop the site for a national park. This land expropriation has caused deep emotional distress for the landowners, who see it as a loss of their patrimony. The local restaurant owner, Nahed Sakha, fears that the Israeli plan will cut off Palestinian residents from the archaeological site, which holds significant historical value for the Jewish past and other eras.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has recognized Sebastia as a World Heritage Site and added it to the List of World Heritage in Danger. UNESCO highlights the threat posed by the planned 'Samaria' national park, which could divide the site and disrupt its historical integrity. The village mayor, Mohammed Azem, expresses concern about the safety of locals, who are now hesitant to clean the ruins due to potential issues with Israeli security forces and settlers.
Israeli activist Alon Arad, who heads the group Emek Shaveh, emphasizes that the site is a Palestinian heritage site and should be developed in collaboration with the local community. He criticizes the Israeli authorities for bypassing consultation with the local administration and residents, suggesting that the development should benefit all communities.
Herodium: A Historical Site Under Threat
Further south in the West Bank, near Jerusalem, lies Herodium, a man-made hill with an extraordinary palace built by King Herod. Israel has recently begun expropriating land, approximately 80 acres, for what it claims is the preservation and development of the site. However, the Israeli organization Peace Now argues that the land seizures are primarily for settlement expansion and Israeli control, violating international law and Israeli Supreme Court rulings.
Shmuel Browns, an archaeologist and tour guide, believes that Israeli archaeologists and officials should oversee and protect these historically significant sites. However, there is a concern among far-right members of Israel's government to go beyond preservation. A proposed law would transfer control of archaeological sites to the Israeli heritage ministry, granting them sweeping powers to seize land for archaeological preservation across the West Bank.
The Weaponization of Archaeology
The proposed law, which passed its first reading in parliament in May, is on hold due to upcoming elections. Israeli activist Alon Arad argues that the very fact that the bill was put forward demonstrates the weaponization of archaeology in the West Bank. He warns that archaeology is being used to rewrite history and allocate land from Palestinian to Israeli control.
In both cases, Palestinian residents fear the loss of their connection with the ruins. The weaponization of archaeology in the West Bank highlights the complex and often contentious relationship between historical preservation, land control, and political interests.
