Bill aimed at giving Israel control over all West Bank heritage sites sparks concern

A proposed Israeli bill to create a civilian authority governing antiquities and archaeological sites in the West Bank has prompted criticism from heritage and peace advocacy groups, according to a 10 February 2026 report in The Art Newspaper. The bill was approved for a first reading by the Israeli Knesset’s Ministerial Committee on Legislation on 8 February and would give the minister of heritage, Amihai Eliyahu, broad powers to appoint a governing council, declare antiquity sites, and expropriate land and antiquities across the West Bank. Peace Now, the Geneva Initiative, and the Israeli NGO Emek Shaveh said the proposal amounts to “extraterritorial annexation,” threatens a negotiated two-state solution, and violates the 1954 Hague Convention and the Fourth Geneva Convention. The groups also argued it would undermine the Oslo II Accord’s division of responsibilities for heritage in Areas A, B, and C, and the bill is expected to be passed later in February after further Knesset readings.

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