Israel stands accused of using archaeological sites in the West Bank for political purposes, a move that Palestinian officials and an Israeli heritage organization argue weaponizes history and facilitates land expropriation. Plans by Israeli authorities to develop the ancient site of Sebastia, located in the occupied West Bank, have drawn sharp criticism.
Alon Arad, head of Emek Shaveh, an Israeli group focused on the equitable preservation of regional heritage, stated that Israeli authorities have proceeded with development plans for the Roman theatre at Sebastia without consulting local Palestinian administration or residents. "The thing is that Israel is not the owner of this place. This is a Palestinian heritage site," Arad said. "And in order to develop it in a positive way, it has to be done with the local community, with the municipality, so they can benefit."
The proposed Israeli plans involve relocating the entrance to Sebastia to the opposite side of the expansive site, moving it away from the existing village and its associated car park and shops.
The Palestinian ministries of tourism and foreign affairs have expressed hope that UNESCO recognition might bolster international support for their opposition to Israeli land seizures in the Sebastia area. However, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has framed UNESCO's involvement as an attempt to undermine historical Jewish connections to the West Bank. "No vote in an international organisation can change history," Saar asserted.
Israel has been pursuing large-scale land expropriations in historic areas of the West Bank, with Sebastia being one such site under contention. 