TEL AVIV, May 12, 2026 (WAFA) – The Israeli Knesset plenum approved, after midnight Monday, in its first reading, a bill providing for the establishment of an Israeli antiquities authority to oversee archaeological sites in the occupied West Bank, in a move described by an Israeli rights organization as a political tool aimed at advancing annexation plans in the occupied Palestinian Territory.

The bill, submitted by Knesset member Amit Halevi of the Likud party, calls for the establishment of the so-called “Judea and Samaria Antiquities Authority” to operate under the responsibility of the Israeli Minister of Heritage. The proposed authority would be granted broad powers, including land seizure, management of archaeological excavations, and enforcement of laws related to antiquities in areas classified as B and C in the occupied West Bank.

The bill received the support of 23 Knesset members, while 14 voted against it. It will now be referred to the Knesset Education, Culture and Sports Committee for preparation ahead of its second and third readings.

According to the bill, the powers currently held by the “Archaeology Officer” appointed by the Israeli occupation army’s so-called “Civil Administration” unit would be transferred to the new authority, making it the “exclusive authority” responsible for all heritage and antiquities affairs in the occupied West Bank.

Previous discussions held at the Knesset Education Committee in February revealed that the bill also includes plans to expand the authority’s work to the Gaza Strip and rename it the “Judea, Samaria and Gaza Antiquities Authority.”

One provision of the bill further grants the authority powers related to nature reserves under Israeli military orders enforced in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip, giving it precedence over any other body.

Meanwhile, the Israeli rights organization Emek Shaveh, which focuses on cultural heritage rights, stressed that the bill does not protect antiquities, but rather turns heritage and archaeology into a political tool used against Palestinians and to advance annexation plans.

The organization added that protecting antiquities requires preventing their looting through cooperation with local communities and professional institutions, as well as imposing a comprehensive ban on antiquities trade. It warned that the bill deepens Israel’s professional isolation and poses a threat to archaeological research.

Researchers also warned of the bill’s impact on Palestinian communities located near archaeological sites, stressing that expanding archaeological oversight could pave the way for discriminatory and destructive policies.

The organization further emphasized that the bill is fundamentally flawed and contradicts international law, political agreements signed by Israel, and professional ethical standards, describing it as a blatant attempt to use archaeology as a cover for annexation and apartheid measures.

T.R.