State Reclaims Historic Land in Silwan’s City of David

The Israel Nature and Parks Authority, with support from security forces, completed a special operation this morning to reclaim state land in the City of David area of Silwan in Jerusalem. The land is described as having major historical and archaeological value, and ancient burial caves from the Second Temple period were identified there.

According to enforcement officials, the site had been illegally taken over by Arabs, causing significant damage to natural and heritage assets. During the operation, the forces worked to restore control of the land and remove the hazards that had accumulated on the property over the years.

Among the structures removed was an improvised garage that had been operating on the site. Officials said the compound had been used for polluting activity and for storing vehicles that had been abandoned and turned into storage spaces.

The area also included ancient burial caves that, in the past, were subjected to antiquities looting. Some of the caves were reportedly used as storage areas and as illegal, unsupervised animal enclosures. With the operation completed, the land was returned to state control, and cleanup and rehabilitation work began immediately to remove trash and restore the damaged area.