Knesset advances controversial West Bank antiquities bill in first reading

The Knesset advanced a bill in its first reading overnight Monday–Tuesday that would establish a "Judea and Samaria Heritage Authority" under the Heritage Ministry to oversee West Bank antiquities, with 23 MKs voting in favor and 14 opposed; the measure would transfer responsibility from the Defense Ministry's Civil Administration to the new civilian body. Supporters argue the authority is necessary to protect archaeological sites from destruction and looting, while critics contend it represents "creeping annexation" that would place Palestinians under Israeli governance in violation of the Oslo Accords' territorial framework.