The Knesset passed a bill Monday creating a Heritage Authority for Judea and Samaria, giving the state direct responsibility for managing antiquities and archaeological sites in the Judea and Samaria.
The legislation, sponsored by Knesset members Amit Halevi and Avichai Boaron, passed its first reading 23-14. The bill now returns to the Education, Culture and Sports Committee for further debate before second and third readings.
Under the proposal, the new authority will operate as a statutory corporation under Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu. It will receive dedicated funding within the Heritage Ministry’s budget to ensure ongoing operations.
The authority will have powers similar to the Israel Antiquities Authority, including initiating archaeological excavations, developing and managing heritage sites, expropriating and acquiring land for its work, and enforcing violations in archaeological reserves.
The bill’s explanatory notes say its purpose is “to establish in primary legislation direct state responsibility for handling antiquities and heritage and archaeological sites in Judea and Samaria, in order to improve and streamline their management and reduce damage to them.” The notes add that creating a professional, independent authority will ensure efficient, budgeted handling of this important issue.