Security Forces Seize Stolen Antiquities in Shomron Raid

By Hamodia Staff

YERUSHALAYIM — Israeli security forces on Monday seized a cache of stolen antiquities worth hundreds of thousands of shekels in Palestinian villages in the Shomron, according to media reports.

Among the items recovered were coins, titles, stone doors from the Roman and Byzantine periods, and ancient tools from the Iron Age and the 7th century.

COGAT, the Israeli military liaison to the Palestinians, said that its forces along with Border Police uncovered the rare artifacts, along with weapons during a raid on the three suspects’ homes in the Palestinian villages of Burka, Hawara and Silat al-Daher.

The raid came after the Police and the Civil Administration’s Archaeology Unit conducted an investigation into several antiquities dealers operating in the region.

The suspects were arrested and transferred for further questioning.

“The antiquities of our country are a national and historical asset, we will continue to work together with all the parties for the preservation of the antiquities and the prevention of illegal trade and the destruction of ancient sites,” said Jihad Hassan, the commander of the Yehuda and Shomron of the Border Police.