In one of the most remarkable archaeological discoveries last year, experts uncovered a 1,200-year-old lavish estate in Israel’s southern Negev desert, shedding light on the lifestyle of affluent denizens of this region during the early Islamic period. Situated in the Bedouin town of Rahat, the estate dates back to the 8th or 9th century and offers a veritable treasure trove of historical insights. Now, in 2023, the site has been excavated and will soon be open for public viewing.

04 September 2023

Read more: Unearthed: 1,200-Year-Old Luxury Estate Reveals Ancient Affluence in Negev

UNESCO is slated to designate the ancient ruins of Jericho as a world heritage site within Palestine in an upcoming conference in Saudi Arabia. The decision is likely to gain approval given the majority dynamics of the committee. While this is not the first instance of tension between Israel and UNESCO over the cultural ownership of historically significant sites, this latest development represents a new layer of complexity.

03 September 2023

Read more: Historical Appropriation: UNESCO Names Jericho A World Heritage Site In 'Palestine'

In a recent excavation within the historic City of David National Park in Jerusalem, enigmatic rock-cut production facilities dating back approximately 2,800 years to the First Temple period have been brought to light. Collaborative efforts between the Israeli Antiquities Authority and Tel Aviv University have unveiled a fascinating glimpse into this ancient era. The profound significance of these findings lies not only in their age but also in the potential roles these structures played in the societal and economic framework of the time.

30 August 2023

Read more: Mysterious Ancient Rock-Cut Facilities Discovered in Jerusalem's City of David

In recent archaeological excavations on the outskirts of the Givat Hamatos neighborhood in Jerusalem, a significant historical discovery has come to light – the longest continuous segment of the ancient upper aqueduct of Jerusalem. Through these excavations, an approximately 300-meter stretch of the aqueduct has been revealed, once responsible for conveying water to the upper city of Jerusalem. This aqueduct, constructed around 2,000 years ago, served not only the general populace but also facilitated the water needs of prominent structures like Herod's palace and the residences of the city's affluent citizens.

28 August 2023

Read more: Unveiling Jerusalem's Ancient Upper Aqueduct: Insights From Archaeological Excavations

A recent report detailing the "supervision of the preservation of antiquities and heritage values on the Temple Mount" has revealed disheartening findings. Published this month by the Knesset's Research and Information Center, the report asserts that the Waqf, supported by the King of Jordan, exercises unilateral authority on the Mount, while the Israeli government seemingly abets it by concealing the realities from its citizens.

25 August 2023

Read more: Report: Jordan's Waqf Is Slowly Destroying Temple Mount Antiquities