ARCHAEOLOGY:
Archaeologists launch new excavation in West Bank at capital of ancient Israel. Sebastia archaeological site features remains from biblical to modern times; Palestinian Authority denounces dig, accusing Israel of ‘colonial and Judaization practices’ (Rossella Tercatin, Times of Israel).
A new archaeological dig at the ancient site of Sebastia in the West Bank was inaugurated on Monday in the presence of several government officials.
Sebastia – known in Hebrew by its biblical name, “Shomron” – is thought to have been the capital of the northern Israelite kingdom in the 9th and 8th centuries BCE.
The excavations will be led by Uzi Greenfeld, an archaeologist from the Archaeology Unit of the Civil Administration.
[...]
The Jerusalem Post Staff and their AI are pleased:
Israel restarts archaeological excavations at Sebastia after 12-year hiatus. Israel's Minister of Heritage Amihai Eliyahu states, "Sebastia is one of the most important sites in our national and historical heritage."
Haaretz, not so much:
Israel Launches Excavation at Ancient Site of Sebastia in Palestinian Village in West Bank. For decades, Israel refrained from excavating the site, located north of Nablus. The decision to proceed is highly contentious, as international law prohibits such activity by Israel. 'The goal here is about settlement, not tourism,' said the Palestinian head of the local council (Hagar Shezaf)
Politics aside, I hope the new excavation finds more inscribed Samaria ostraca.
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