Neutral news style: Israel designates 63 West Bank archaeological sites as part of its heritage, drawing Palestinian criticism.
Report: Israel Declares 63 Palestinian Archaeological Sites as Its Own Heritage
A Palestinian research institute has accused Israel of unlawfully designating dozens of archaeological locations in the occupied West Bank as “Israeli heritage sites,” calling the move a violation of international law.
In a study released Wednesday, the Applied Research Institute–Jerusalem (ARIJ) said 63 Palestinian sites were listed under new military orders signed by Brigadier General Moti Almoz, who heads the Israeli Civil Administration in the West Bank. The majority — 59 — are in the Nablus governorate, with three in Ramallah and one in Salfit.
According to ARIJ, the reclassification is part of a broader strategy to claim Palestinian heritage and reshape cultural identity to align with the Israeli narrative. “This is not merely administrative or legal procedure, but part of a systematic policy aimed at confiscating Palestinian heritage,” the report said.
The group also noted that many of the targeted sites lie near Israeli settlements or outposts. It warned that land seized under the pretext of “heritage protection” is often later converted for settlement expansion, military use, or tourism ventures serving Israeli settlers.
ARIJ further alleged that Israeli authorities have so far classified over 2,400 Palestinian archaeological sites in the West Bank as Israeli, undermining Palestinian cultural claims.
The report was released against the backdrop of growing settlement activity. By the end of 2024, Palestinian officials estimate that around 770,000 Israeli settlers were living in 180 settlements and more than 250 outposts across the West Bank.
The International Court of Justice ruled in an advisory opinion last year that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory is illegal under international law, and urged the dismantling of settlements in both the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
