Diplomatic setback: UNESCO recognizes Sebastia as a "Palestinian heritage site in danger" without a vote
N12 has learned that, contrary to prior commitments, the decision was made without a vote. Israeli representatives and the Czech ambassador engaged in a 40-minute confrontation with committee leadership. Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar stated: "This land constitutes evidence of the history of the Jewish people."
A political achievement for the Palestinians at UNESCO: Sebastia, identified with ancient Samaria and the capital of the Kingdom of Israel, was included today (Friday) in the list of World Heritage sites in danger without a vote. N12 has learned that the move was carried out contrary to a commitment given to Israeli representatives. In recent days, the site has been at the center of an international struggle over history, heritage, and control. Israel emphasized its importance in the history of the Jewish people, while the Palestinian Authority promoted its recognition at UNESCO as a Palestinian heritage site in danger.
40 minutes of confrontation - the decision made without a vote
The discussion at the World Heritage Committee ended in drama. N12 has learned that Israeli officials were told in advance that the decision would be brought to a vote, but at the moment of decision, the committee chair decided to pass it without one. For about 40 minutes, Israeli representatives and the Czech ambassador to UNESCO, who requested a vote, argued with the committee heads. Despite the protest, the committee chair did not allow the decision to be put to a vote, and it was accepted without an official voting procedure. The Czech Republic was allowed to formally disassociate itself from the decision, and it was recorded in the protocol that it opposes it.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said before the discussion that this is an attempt to blur the historical connection of the Jewish people to the site:
"Sebastia is a place of immense importance in the history of the Jewish people and the ancient Kingdom of Israel. No political decision can erase history. No vote in an international organization can change what is beneath our feet."
From the capital of the Kingdom of Israel to the center of an international struggle
Remains from many periods have been found at the site, including findings related to the Kingdom of Israel alongside remains from the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Crusader periods. During the Herodian period, the city was expanded and its name was changed to Sebastia. From Israel's perspective, the archaeological layers at the site are a central testimony to the historical Jewish connection to the region.
On the other hand, the Palestinians present Sebastia as part of their national heritage and claim that Israel's actions in the area harm the residents' access to the lands and the site. Israel states that the activity at the site is intended to preserve the antiquities, prevent damage to the findings, and develop the site. The struggle over Sebastia is not only about the interpretation of the past; it also touches on the question of control over the site and the political significance that will be given to its heritage. The UNESCO decision gave the Palestinians a symbolic achievement, but Israel emphasizes that it does not change the historical evidence and the Jewish affinity to the place.
