BUT NO APPREHENSIONS:
HASMONEAN-ERA BURIAL CAVES NEAR JERICHO ALLEGEDLY LOOTED BY LOCAL ARABS. The caves form part of an extensive burial ground of what's believed to be a Hasmonean palace, which was discovered in the area recently after agricultural and landscaping work was being done (Ilanit Chernick, Jerusalem Post).
I see no indication that the looting, let alone who may be responsible for it, has been independently verified by archaeologists or the IAA. But let's keep an eye on the story.
Visit PaleoJudaica daily for the latest news on ancient Judaism and the biblical world.
