West Bank and Gaza antiquities bill advances as gov’t okays NIS 250M heritage plan |
The government on Wednesday approved a NIS 250 million plan for the preservation and development of heritage and archaeological sites in the West Bank, as coalition members continued holding marathon sessions in the Knesset Education, Culture and Sports Committee to prepare a controversial bill seeking to extend Israeli civilian control over antiquities in the West Bank and Gaza for its final votes.
According to a joint statement by the Prime Minister’s Office, Finance, Tourism, Heritage, and Settlement ministries, the plan includes the establishment of new heritage centers and tourism infrastructure, as well as funding for efforts to combat looting and vandalism.
“In the year in which we will mark 60 years since the liberation of Judea, Samaria and Jerusalem, the heart of our homeland, the government of Israel is making a decision of the highest national and historical importance,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, using the biblical name for the West Bank.
“Today we are investing in preserving our past in order to secure our future, strengthen our hold on the Land of Israel, and pass on to future generations the heritage, identity and historical truth of our people,” he added.
Asked whether there was a connection between the plan and the new legislation, a spokesman for the Prime Minister’s Office told The Times of Israel that he did not know.
The bill aims to establish a “Judea, Samaria and Gaza Heritage Authority” under the Heritage Ministry. The body is also set to have the power to operate in parts of the West Bank governed by the Palestinian Authority (Areas A and B).
The committee intends to finish preparing the bill for the final plenum readings on Sunday. After that, the plenum could vote the proposal into law as early as Monday.
However, it is also possible that if legislation to dissolve the Knesset that was advanced Tuesday is fast-tracked to be passed into law next week, the antiquities bill will not be put up for final votes in the plenum.
If approved........