Israel plans to seize parts of a major West Bank historic site, according to government report

(21 Nov 2025) RESTRICTION SUMMARY: ASSOCIATED PRESS Sebastia, West Bank - 20 November 2025 1. Wide of Sebastia, archaeological site in the West Bank, with Palestinian flag waving 2. Various of columns and steps at site 3. Close of archaeological remains of a wall 4. Wide of amphitheater 5. Set up shot for Mohammed Azem, the Mayor of Sebastia 6. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Mohammed Azem, the Mayor of Sebastia: "The decision issued by the Civil Administration on the 17th of this year is considered one of the most dangerous decisions issued against Sebastia. It is noteworthy that there have been only five decisions issued this year concerning the town of Sebastia, its history, heritage, lands, and the properties of its citizens. This decision is considered the greatest challenge affecting the archaeological and historical sites in the town of Sebastia. This decision works to steal the historical site in Sebastia and transfer the ownership of this historical site from the Palestinians and the people of Sebastia to the Israeli Antiquities Authority." 7. Wide of closed shops 8. Various of archaeological site and visitors 9. Wide of archaeological site and Sebastia town in background STORYLINE: Israel plans to seize parts of a major West Bank historic site, according to a government document, even as the country faces pressure to crack down on settler violence in the Palestinian territory. Israel's Civil Administration announced its intention to expropriate large swaths of Sebastia, a major archaeological site in the West Bank, in the document obtained by The Associated Press on Thursday. Sebastia Mayor Mohammed Azem on Thursday said the decision was, "the greatest challenge affecting the archaeological and historical sites in the town." "This decision works to steal the historical site in Sebastia and transfer the ownership of this historical site from the Palestinians and the people of Sebastia to the Israeli Antiquities Authority," said Azem. Peace Now, an anti-settlement watchdog group, said the site is around 1,800 dunams (450 acres) — Israel's largest seizure of archeologically important land. The Israeli order released on November 12 lists parcels of land it intends to seize in the Sebastia area. Peace Now, which provided the document to the AP, said the popular archeological site, where thousands of olive trees grow, belongs to the Palestinians. The capital of the ancient Israelite kingdom, Samaria, is thought to be beneath the ruins of Sebastia, and Christian and Islamic traditions believe it's where John the Baptist was buried. In 2023, Israel's government announced plans to develop the site and create a settlement for tourists there, excavations have already begun and the government has allocated more than 30 million shekels to develop the site, according to Peace Now and another rights group. The order gives Palestinians 14 days to object to the declaration. Israel did not immediately comment on the Peace Now claim that the land belongs to Palestinians. The largest parcel of historical land previously seized by Israel was 286 dunams (70 acres) in Susya, a village in the south of the West Bank, says Peace Now. AP video by Aref Tufaha AP Production: Jalal Bwaitel =========================================================== Clients are reminded to adhere to all listed restrictions and to check the terms of their licence agreements. For further assistance, please contact the AP Archive on: Tel +44(0)2074827482 Email: [email protected]. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...