The Great Antiquities Heist in the Jordan Valley: Thousands of Items Seized at Suspect's Home

The Archaeology Unit of the Civil Administration, together with the Border Police, IDF, and the Nature and Parks Authority, thwarted an attempt to loot antiquities in the Jordan Valley. A man was caught in an illegal excavation in Area C, and a raid on his home uncovered thousands of coins, pottery, and artifacts from the Persian, Hellenistic, and Hasmonean periods.

In a proactive operation by the Archaeology Unit of the Civil Administration, in cooperation with Border Police fighters in Judea and Samaria, IDF soldiers from the Jordan Valley and Valleys Brigade, and inspectors from the Nature and Parks Authority, an attempt to loot antiquities in the Jordan Valley was foiled today (Monday). A man was caught during an illegal excavation at archaeological sites in Area C, and in his possession were found metal detectors, digging tools, and ancient artifacts. He was transferred for investigation by the Archaeology Unit. Subsequently, a raid on his home revealed thousands of archaeological items, including coins, pottery, and artifacts from the Persian, Hellenistic, Hasmonean, and other periods. The Civil Administration described the operation as a significant achievement in the fight against antiquities looting in Judea and Samaria, joining efforts to break the chain of illegal trade in antiquities.