Digging for control: archaeology in the West Bank
- Posted on July 20, 2026
- By CNN
- 0 Views
- 1 min read
In brief
The Israeli government seeks to acquire Palestinian lands in the West Bank through archaeological claims, potentially placing ancient historical sites under Israeli sovereignty. Sebastia, an archaeological zone intertwined with a Palestinian community, has become a focal point in this territorial dispute. Both Israeli archaeologists and Palestinian residents are advocating for UNESCO World Heritage status to safeguard the site from expropriation and preserve its cultural significance.
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Digging for control: archaeology in the West Bank
The Israeli government is pushing to expropriate land for archaeological and heritage sites in the occupied West Bank. It would place sites dating back thousands of years under Israeli control — including Sebastia, enmeshed in the fabric of its eponymous Palestinian village. Israeli archaeologists and Palestinian residents are trying to get Sebastia recognized as a UNESCO heritage site, hoping the designation will offer protection. CNN’s Jeremy Diamond reports.
