A recent decision by the Palestine Exploration Quarterly (PEQ), a prominent archaeology journal, to restrict submissions from Israeli researchers in Judea and Samaria unless they cooperate with Palestinian authorities has sparked controversy. Analysts view this action as part of a broader trend aimed at undermining the historical connection of Jewish people to the Land of Israel. The journal claims that its policy aligns with ethical standards based on international law, with its editor, Charlotte Whiting, stating the journal is bound by these laws. This obstinate approach has led Israeli archaeologists to feel marginalized, as collaborating with Palestinians poses personal and professional risks, leading many to abandon research in the historically significant areas for fear of repercussions.
Israeli spokespeople have highlighted this situation as part of a coordinated effort to erase Jewish historical ties to Judea and Samaria. Yishai Fleisher, an advocate for Hebron, has outlined three main strategies employed by Palestinians: acknowledging a past Jewish presence, arguing Jews no longer belong, or outright denial and destruction of Jewish artifacts. This includes a systematic renaming of significant Jewish sites, with locations like Hebron being referred to by Arabic names while important relics are often rebranded. In response, advocacy groups have stepped up their efforts to affirm and protect Jewish historical landmarks to combat these narratives and reclaim the identity of these spaces.
The Palestinian Authority (P.A.) has taken an active role in promoting its narrative on international platforms, which have often exhibited a bias against Israel. The P.A. successfully gained recognition as a non-member observer state at the United Nations and has leveraged organizations like UNESCO to assert its claims on historically Jewish sites. UNESCO registered the Cave of the Patriarchs as a World Heritage site under the "State of Palestine" and more recently recognized the Tell es-Sultan site in similar fashion. These moves are seen as attempts to diminish the significance of Jewish sites and history in the eyes of the international community.
Archaeological sites in Judea and Samaria continue to face threats from unauthorized construction and neglect. Naomi Kahn of the Regavim think tank pointed out ongoing developments over ancient Jewish infrastructures, violating international heritage agreements. Examples include the construction of condominiums over Solomon’s Pools and agriculture taking place in the Hasmonean necropolis, where human remains have sadly been disturbed. Such actions not only undermine the existing historical record but also represent a troubling disregard for the preservation of culturally significant sites.
Prominent figures have expressed their concerns regarding these developments. Sandra Hagee Parker of Christians United for Israel stressed that these attempts to negate Jewish connections represent a spiritual and historical battle, rejecting not only Jewish identity but also broader notions of divine heritage. This sentiment is echoed by others, like Ze’ev Orenstein, who note that the founding tenets of the P.L.O. have relied on delegitimizing Jewish historical claims in the region, a narrative backed by systematic destruction of evidence at archaeological sites.
In light of these challenges, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a significant funding initiative in July 2023, aimed at rehabilitating archaeological locations that affirm Jewish presence in Judea and Samaria. He emphasized that these sites tell the story of Jewish history and roots in the region, reinforcing efforts to educate and foster tourism. Meanwhile, scholars like Rev. Dr. Petra Heldt advocate for greater international involvement to protect these sites and their narratives, urging a multifaceted campaign that includes media and educational outreach to keep these historical stories alive. Overall, the struggle over Judea and Samaria encapsulates a larger discourse about identity, legitimacy, and heritage in the face of ongoing political and cultural conflicts.
