Israel seizes 2,000 dunams in West Bank, including ancient Sebastia site

2026-02-18 - 10:02

Israel has issued an order to seize approximately 2,000 dunams (494 acres) of land in the northern occupied West Bank, including territory near the historic archaeological site of Sebastia, a Palestinian official confirmed Tuesday. Moayad Shaaban, head of the Palestinian Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission, stated the expropriation targets land belonging to the towns of Sebastia and Burqa in Nablus governorate, describing it as a continuation of a Jan. 18, 2025 notice of intent. Settler Allocation and Agricultural Impact Shaaban said the measure reflects a broader policy using legal and administrative tools to advance settlement objectives, with the land allocated exclusively for illegal Israeli settlers. The order extends beyond the archaeological site to surrounding agricultural areas, including olive groves owned by Palestinian residents, effectively expanding Israeli control over the region. Sebastia, located along the main Nablus-Jenin road, covers approximately 4,777 dunams (1,180 acres) and contains remains from Canaanite, Roman, Byzantine, Phoenician, and Islamic civilizations dating to the Bronze Age. Legal Framework and Escalation The expropriation follows November reports that the Israeli Civil Administration was preparing to develop the Sebastia site, including extensive Palestinian-owned olive orchards. Earlier this month, Israel adopted additional measures expanding enforcement powers in West Bank areas under Palestinian Authority administration, citing construction, water, and heritage violations. In December, a new bill version was introduced to extend Israeli authority over antiquities and heritage sites in the West Bank, including Areas A and B. Annexation Context Since October 2023, Israel has intensified West Bank operations alongside its Gaza campaign. Palestinians view the escalation—including killings, arrests, displacement, and settlement expansion—as preparation for formal annexation. The International Court of Justice declared Israel's occupation illegal in July 2024, calling for evacuation of all settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.