The Knesset Education, Culture and Sports Committee is moving rapidly to advance a controversial bill that would place antiquities in the West Bank under the direct responsibility of the State of Israel. The proposal, which critics argue represents a form of de facto annexation, seeks to fundamentally alter the legal and administrative framework of the region.
If passed, the legislation would establish a civilian entity known as the “Judea and Samaria Heritage Authority.” This new body would assume responsibilities currently managed by the Defense Ministry’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT). Specifically, the authority would be empowered to conduct research, conserve and restore artifacts and manage archaeological sites. Most significantly, it would have the power to acquire or expropriate land for the purpose of protecting and developing these sites—a move that would directly impact Palestinians living in the West Bank.
The shift in authority has raised serious legal alarms. During a committee meeting on Monday, Ayala Roash, an attorney from the Defense Ministry’s legal office, warned that the bill would remove the powers of the military commander, creating a situation where Israeli governmental authority is exercised directly under the heritage minister. Roash noted that this contradicts the existing paradigm for managing the territories and creates further legal complications by including Areas A and B, where civilian and security responsibilities have been transferred to the Palestinian Authority.
MK Amit Halevi, the bill’s sponsor, defended the move, stating that the goal is to create an organized body for “spiritual and cultural treasures” through Israeli legislation. He argued that applying international treaties to sites like Sebastia or the Cave of the Patriarchs is “unacceptable.”
Beyond the legal disputes, the professional archaeological community has expressed significant concern. While most agree that West Bank antiquities suffer from neglect and looting, many archaeologists warn that this new system could expose Israeli academics to international boycotts and funding cuts. Some point out that under prevalent interpretations of international law, Israel is permitted to conduct only salvage excavations, not academic ones, in these disputed areas.
The push to pass the bill is happening against a backdrop of political instability. Proceedings to dissolve the Knesset are expected to begin this week, following legislation submitted on May 13 to trigger elections. A preliminary vote could occur as early as Wednesday. If the Knesset is dissolved before the bill is finalized, the process of passing this permanent legislation could be halted until after the elections.
Parallel to this legislative push, Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu has selected Esther Schreiber to lead the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA). The appointment has drawn scrutiny because, like her predecessors, Schreiber has no background in archaeology. While the ministry highlighted her experience as CEO of the INEXTG group, citing a budget of approximately NIS 100 million and 700 employees, documents from Guidestar indicate that in 2024, the NGO’s budget was actually slightly under NIS 26 million with 60 salaried employees.
Additional reports have questioned Schreiber’s professional resume. While she claimed experience in real estate transactions worth tens of millions of shekels, reports suggest she dealt with a single transaction for a building in Jaffa that had been expropriated by the municipality in 2022, rendering the building unusable for her group.
What may happen next:
- The bill could be rushed through its second and third readings in the coming week if it is to be enshrined in law before the potential dissolution of the Knesset.
- If the legislation is approved, the newly formed Judea and Samaria Heritage Authority may begin expropriating land for archaeological purposes.
- Esther Schreiber’s appointment to head the IAA may proceed, provided she receives final approval from the government and the IAA council.