Thousands of Hasmonean-Era Coins and Artifacts Seized in Major Jordan Valley Antiquities Bust

In a joint operation by security forces, authorities thwarted suspected illegal excavations and antiquities theft in the Jordan Valley area, after archaeological finds, digging equipment, and a metal detector were found in the suspect’s possession. As the investigation continued, forces raided the suspect’s home, where they discovered thousands of archaeological items from various historical periods, including the Persian, Hellenistic, and Hasmonean eras.

The operation was initiated by coordinators from the Staff Officer for Archaeology in the Civil Administration, in cooperation with Border Police fighters from the Judea and Samaria settlement division, IDF soldiers from the Jordan Valley and Valleys Brigade, and inspectors from the Nature and Parks Authority. The forces operated in the Jericho district following information that led to suspicions of illegal excavations and antiquities theft in the area.

During the operation, the suspect was located in the field and arrested with a metal detector, digging tools, and archaeological finds in his possession. After his arrest, he was transferred for questioning by the Intelligence and Investigations Department of the Staff Officer for Archaeology Unit in the Civil Administration. The investigation found that the suspect had carried out illegal excavations in Area C, during which he located ancient coins. Later, following intelligence and investigative developments, investigators from the Staff Officer for Archaeology Unit, assisted by IDF soldiers from Battalion 47, carried out a search of the suspect’s home.

The suspect and the seized finds were transferred for further handling and investigation by the Staff Officer for Archaeology Unit in the Civil Administration. The security establishment said that “this significant operation is a continuation of efforts to disrupt the illegal antiquities trafficking chain in Judea and Samaria.” 

It was further stated that the operation is part of “a proactive and coordinated effort” by all the bodies working on the ground, aimed at locating antiquities offenders, preventing damage to archaeological sites, and confiscating finds that were removed from them unlawfully.