Israel Antiquities Authority

Israel's antiquities watchdog tracks stolen history from Jerusalem dealers to US museums

Israel’s antiquities watchdog is battling black-market theft, forgery, and a global trade that strips history of its story

Visitors to the Israel Antiquities Authority’s new center in Jerusalem look at items such as jewelery, makeup brushes, and weapons that had been stolen by antiquities thieves.
Multispectral imaging uses different wavelengths of light such as ultraviolet and infrared rays to better decipher faded or damaged writing on ancient manuscripts.

From dust to data: How technology is transforming Israeli archaeology

A Palestinian archaeologist works on a lead sarcophagus discovered in Gaza City in early 2022. A common Israeli claim is that Palestinians have ‘no interest’ in antiquities.

'Heritage as a weapon': How West Bank digs became a tool of dispossession - opinion

As the current war wages, Israelis and Palestinians battle over ancient narratives.

Ancient sites, modern stakes: The fight to own the West Bank's past - from the editor


Palestinian doctor arrested for smuggling Second Temple-period coins from West Bank to Jerusalem

Trading in antiquities and bringing antiquities from the West Bank into Israel without a permit as well as searching for antiquities without a license using a metal detector are criminal offenses.

Coins seized by Border Police from vehicle of Palestinian doctor after attempted smuggling into Israel, March 23, 2026.

Police forced into shelter with two suspects arrested for antiquities theft amid sirens

The suspects excavation equipment has been seized, and the investigation is ongoing.

The destruction caused by the looters at the Horvat Hermesh antiquities site in northern Israel, March 17, 2026.

Rare half-shekel coin used in biblical census count discovered by archaeologists in Judean Desert

The survey is an ongoing project by the IAA meant to protect archaeological sites in the Judean Desert from looting and unauthorized excavations.

Rare half-shekel coin discovered in Judean Desert by the Israel Antiquities Authority, February 26, 2026.

University of Haifa student discovers 12th century Crusader sword off of Israel’s northern coast

The sword was eventually transferred to Elisha Medical Center in Haifa for an advanced CT scan to examine the blade’s condition without causing it futher harm.

Ancient Crusader sword, dated to the 12th century CE, discovered off of Israel's Dor Beach in northern Israel, February 22, 2026.

Second Temple workshop found on Israel's Mount Scopus during investigation into antiquities thieves

The workshop was discovered at the Ras Tamim archaeological site on the eastern slope of Mount Scopus. 

Newly discovered limestone shards and vessels on display in the new "Criminal Past" exhibit at the Jay and Jeanie Schottenstein National Campus for the Archaeology of Israel, February 16, 2026.

Stone seal from biblical Kingdom of Judea discovered during construction in northern Israel

The seal, which is made of a light brown gemstone, is thought by archaeologists to have been “hung like a necklace around its owner’s neck,” and decoratively divided into three. 

An 8th century stone seal believed to have belong to a high-ranking official of the biblical Kingdom of Judah. The inscription reads: “Belonging to Makhach (son of) Amihai." Picture released on February 12, 2026.

Police sieze ancient coins, stolen medical device from east Jerusalem resident

The suspect, an east Jerusalem resident who was in possession of the coins and stolen equipment, was arrested after failing to comply with police calls.

Ancient coin confiscated by Israel Police.

Caesarea’s Roman-era aqueduct to undergo multi-million shekel preservation, restoration project

Preservation efforts have already begun, Israel Antiquities Authority noted, adding that the project is expected to take about 40 months (nearly three and a half years). 

Israelis and tourists enjoy the beach near the 2,000-year-old Caesarea aqueduct, in Caesarea on August 21, 2023.

Ancient Pilgrimage Road leading to Temple Mount opens to public after 13 years of excavations

Archaeologists say the stepped street served as Jerusalem’s main thoroughfare for pilgrims during the Second Temple period.

Opening of the Pilgrim's Road in Jerusalem, on September 16, 2025.

New archaeology exhibit marks 60 years of Knesset building with rare finds from Jerusalem, Galilee

The event hosted more than 2,000 visitors, including soldiers, police officers, Holocaust survivors, and students from schools and kindergartens across the country.

The new exhibition at the Knesset, February 3, 2026.