The Civil Administration on Tuesday approved the seizure of a Palestinian excavator that resumed work near ancient Hasmonean burial caves close to Jericho, after being warned to stop. Officials said it was the first practical implementation of a recent cabinet decision to enforce protection of archaeological sites in Areas A and B.
According to the report, the Palestinian Authority began roadwork about a week earlier to pave a new route near Fort Dok, and the planned road ran over an ancient burial complex from the Hasmonean period. Archaeology staff from the Civil Administration intervened and demanded that the work stop, and the excavator initially left the site.
This morning, however, the machine returned and resumed the digging, prompting the enforcement action. Following the renewed work, Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu urgently appealed to the Civil Administration, which then authorized the confiscation of the excavator.
Eliyahu praised the move, saying, “I congratulate the Civil Administration and the Archaeology Staff Officer for decisive, fast and effective action.” He added that their stand against “attempts to destroy our heritage” showed that cabinet decisions are being implemented, and that Israel can protect Jewish historical assets “anywhere” and prevent the erasure of its past.