After the decision made by the government to invest 120 million shekels in a multi-year program to prevent the destruction of antiquities throughout Judea and Samaria, the CEO of the Ministry of Heritage, Netanel Izak, stated in a Srugim studio: "Heritage sites are being systematically damaged."
According to him, there is also destruction resulting from illegal construction but also with the aim of eroding the Jewish connection and attempting to create a false narrative of Palestinian history: "Discoveries that testify to the historical Jewish presence are being hidden."
Physical damage and historical manipulation
According to the data from the Ministry of Heritage in the Judea and Samaria region, there are 3,064 Jewish heritage sites, of which 2,452 are located in Area C. One-third of the sites, 1,150 in number, have been damaged to varying degrees by the Palestinians and with the encouragement of the Palestinian Authority.
In addition to the physical damage on the ground, the Palestinian Authority is trying to promote recognition from UNESCO and countries around the world of Jewish heritage sites as Palestinian sites. Recently, it was reported that a delegation of representatives from South Korea arrived in Tel Shomron with Palestinian Authority officials to promote the establishment of a Palestinian heritage site in that location.
Recently, for the first time, a multi-year comprehensive plan was approved to prevent the destruction of antiquities in Judea and Samaria. As mentioned, the decision is budgeted at 120 million shekels, which will be invested, among other things, in supervision and enforcement, establishing new tourist centers, restoring sites that were previously damaged, and more.
