Palestinians pave the way through the archaeological site

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A new ring road has been built through the archaeological site near Sebastia, destroying the antiquities at the site. The construction work was noticed by surveyors from the Samaria Regional Council and the local government of Kedumim, as well as members of a group known as Shomrim Al Khanetsa. During construction work, the Herodian period wall was destroyed, and two burial caves from the Second Temple period were looted and vandalized. Palestinians have thrown pig carcasses into ancient graves, likely hoping to prevent Israeli archaeologists from entering the caves to assess the extent of the damage.

Samaria Regional Council Chairman Yossi Dagan raised the issue with the authorities and warned against irreversible damage to the historic site , stating: “It is unfortunate that the destruction of Jewish history is taking place under the nose of the State of Israel.”

destruction by the PA or the Municipality of Sebastia”,– reported Moshe Guttman, director of Shomrim al-Khanetza. “And now– graves were plundered and desecrated. The Israeli government must respond immediately and harshly.

Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu and Environment Minister Idit Silman visited the site. The ministers said they would help to create a government resolution on the protection of archaeological sites.

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