Israel reclaims state land in City of David heritage site

Evidence of antiquities looting was identified in burial caves, which had been used as warehouses and unregulated animal pens.

By Pesach Benson, TPS

Personnel from the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, assisted by security forces, completed a special operation to reclaim state-owned land of significant historical and archaeological importance in the City of David in Jerusalem on Monday.

According to authorities, Palestinian squatters illegally living on the land damaging heritage sites, including burial tunnels dating back to the Second Temple period.

Evidence of antiquities looting was identified in burial caves, which had been used as warehouses and unregulated animal pens.

Rabbits, chickens and a camel were confiscated. Workers also dismantled an improvised, polluting garage that used abandoned vehicles as storage units.

Security forces demolished structures and removed waste, while caves sealed shut by the Palestinians were reopened.

Following the operation, the Nature and Parks Authority fenced off the area and began restoration and cleanup efforts.

The City of David is an archaeological site and historic neighborhood located just south of Jerusalem’s Old City.

Archaeologists regard it as the original urban core of ancient Jerusalem, where King David established his capital.

The site contains extensive remains from multiple periods, including the First Temple and Second Temple eras, as well as earlier Canaanite structures.

Excavations have uncovered water systems, fortifications, residential areas, and burial caves, making it one of the most significant archaeological locations in the region.