Archaeology at the Heart of Israeli-Palestinian Disputes in the West Bank

Archaeological sites in the West Bank are central to ongoing disputes between Israelis and Palestinians concerning land ownership and cultural heritage. The region, known variously as the West Bank, Judea and Samaria, or occupied Palestinian territory by the United Nations, features sites such as Tala'at Ad-Dam and Sebastia that are points of contention, with both sides asserting historical and cultural claims. These sites are points of contention, with both Israelis and Palestinians asserting historical and cultural claims.

Israeli Perspectives on Archaeology and Heritage

Eyal Freiman, Deputy Staff Officer for Archaeology within Israel's Civil Administration of Judea and Samaria, stated that his role focuses on the protection, preservation, and accessibility of archaeological sites, denying any political motivations in his work. He suggested that without excavation, many sites would remain partially buried. Freiman observed that archaeological sites often encompass Jewish, Christian, and Muslim cultures, indicating that history in the region is complex and shared, rather than "black-and-white."

Talya Ezrahi of the left-wing Israeli archaeology group Emek Shaveh asserted that archaeology is utilized to affirm a Jewish historical presence and validate claims of prior Jewish inhabitation. She stated that archaeological practices have supported the expansion of settlements and restricted Palestinian access to land.

Rafi Greenberg, a professor of archaeology at Tel Aviv University and co-founder of Emek Shaveh, characterized archaeology as "storytelling" and described the City of David site as a "settler project" and a model for other sites. He suggested it uses antiquities to connect areas within Jerusalem, aiming to restrict Palestinian expansion and potentially lead to displacement in areas such as Silwan. Ezrahi also noted that while excavated sites may possess aesthetic value, they often overlook the historical narratives of Palestinian communities.

"Archaeology is utilized to affirm a Jewish historical presence and validate claims of prior Jewish inhabitation." — Talya Ezrahi, Emek Shaveh

"Archaeology is 'storytelling' ... The City of David site is a 'settler project' and a model for other sites." — Rafi Greenberg, Tel Aviv University and Emek Shaveh

Adi Shragai, an Israeli archaeologist with Preserving the Eternal, a group active in the West Bank, emphasized the global benefit of protecting ancient sites. She noted a historical lack of proper excavation and academic research at sites like Sebastia, which was once the capital of the Kingdom of Israel. Shragai stated her primary objective is site safety, protection, and preservation, indicating an openness to the Palestinian Authority undertaking this work but noting they currently do not adequately perform this role. She added that sites are being destroyed due to the current political situation.

Palestinian Concerns and Experiences

Zaid Azhari, a Palestinian resident and tour guide in Sebastia, stated that his family has resided in the area for multiple generations. He reported that Palestinians are restricted from accessing or working near these sites during Israeli operations, citing surveillance and military presence.

In November, Israel issued a land expropriation order for over 300 acres in Sebastia. Azhari characterized this action as a means of land control and "stealing land," arguing it severs the town from its heritage, agricultural land, and a significant part of its economy.

"The archaeological activity is 'totally political'." — Zaid Azhari, Sebastia Resident

At Nebi Samuel, a Palestinian village was reportedly dismantled to establish a tourist site, displacing residents. Eid Barakat, whose house was demolished, stated he has been in temporary housing since 1971 due to an inability to obtain a building permit.

Israeli Government Stance and Financial Commitments

Israel's Minister of Heritage, Amichai Eliyahu, speaking at the City of David, stated that the sites represent the historical foundation of the Bible. He presented a ring found on Mount Gerizim, engraved with Judaism's Shema prayer, as archaeological evidence supporting Israeli historical claims to the land.

Regarding the Palestinian narrative, Minister Eliyahu stated that "according to history, there was no Palestinian people," describing it as a people "invented 60 years ago."

"According to history, there was no Palestinian people... it was invented 60 years ago." — Minister of Heritage, Amichai Eliyahu

The Israeli government is allocating approximately $100 million for developing archaeological and tourism sites in the West Bank.

Conflicting Narratives and Historical Interpretation

Contrasting perspectives are evident regarding historical ownership and interpretation. A historical plaque in Sebastia reportedly omits mention of its past as the capital of the Kingdom of Israel, while mentioning Roman and Canaanite periods.

Azhari stated that referring to Sebastia as a "Jewish kingdom or a Jewish city" is "not really that correct" and affirmed the heritage as "mine," not "Zionist history or culture." This sentiment of ownership was reportedly common on both sides.

Referring to Sebastia as a "Jewish kingdom or a Jewish city" is "not really that correct" and "the heritage is mine, not Zionist history or culture." — Zaid Azhari, Sebastia Resident

Minister Eliyahu challenged statements made by groups like Emek Shaveh, stating that if sites are not considered part of Jewish history, then proof of Palestinian ownership is required, noting that "for now, there is no proof." Professor Greenberg characterized this approach as "weaponizing" heritage by assigning greater importance to certain historical narratives. Greenberg also noted that Israel's first prime minister, David Ben Gurion, emphasized archaeology's role in creating a "unifying myth" for the state.