Strata

Battle Over Archaeology in Israel Reaches a Boil

The long-standing conflict between the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) and the haredim (ultra-Orthodox Jews) has intensified recently in the wake of an unconfirmed pact between haredi political parties and Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to replace IAA director Amir Drori. But Netanyahu’s apparent promise to replace Drori with an appointee more sympathetic to haredi demands may not be realized because of anticipated opposition from secular parties in the government coalition.

The ultra-Orthodox parties have also demanded representation on the IAA Archaeological Council, a committee of archaeologists and professors that determines IAA policy.

At its heart, the conflict revolves around centuries-old human bones. The haredim, who hold sacred the concept of eternal rest for the deceased, vehemently oppose the excavation of Jewish graves. The IAA, however, is instructed by law to carry out rescue excavations at construction sites where ancient human bones are found. The bones are handed over the same day they are excavated to representatives from the Ministry of Religious Affairs for reinterment.