Thousands of ancient artifacts recovered in Judea and Samaria looting case

Thousands of ancient artifacts, including coins and items from the Persian, Hellenistic, and Hasmonean periods, were recovered from a suspect accused of looting antiquities in Judea and Samaria. Israeli authorities, including the Civil Administration’s Archaeology Unit, Israeli Police, and Israel Defense Forces, detained the suspect who was found with metal detectors, excavation tools, and archaeological finds. Investigators determined the suspect conducted illegal excavations in Area C of Judea and Samaria. A subsequent raid on the suspect's home uncovered additional artifacts. Under Israeli law, trading in antiquities without a permit, unauthorized transport of antiquities, and searching for antiquities with a metal detector without a license are criminal offenses.