The Israeli Knesset’s Education, Culture and Sports Committee has approved a draft amendment to the Antiquities Authority Law, allowing Israel to assume responsibility for antiquities and archaeological sites in the West Bank. The proposed “West Bank Heritage Authority” would operate under the Ministry of Heritage with a budget of at least 30 million shekels. The Ministry of Justice has requested a review of the draft due to its international implications. Palestinian officials have raised concerns over systematic looting of their heritage since 2013.
