Hundreds of artifacts, some nearly 2,800 years old, seized from suspected looter
In search of suspect’s home in Dimona, police also find metal detectors, guns and ammunition, and NIS 150,000 in cash
Rossella Tercatin is The Times of Israel's archaeology and religions reporter.
Hundreds of archaeological artifacts were seized from a private residence in the southern city of Dimona, the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) said on Monday.
Among the artifacts were approximately 200 coins, along with arrowheads, jewelry, and pottery, some dating back nearly 2,800 years to the 9th century BCE, with the most recent findings dating to the Muslim period (7th century CE).
Officers from the Dimona police station searched the suspect’s house based on intelligence indicating involvement in illegal antiquities trafficking.
Police also discovered two metal detectors — commonly used by looters to locate coins and other metal objects at archaeological sites — along with several airsoft guns and ammunition, two old IDF rifles, and NIS 150,000 ($40,000) in cash.
The suspect was detained for questioning.
“The artifacts found in the suspect’s home point to antiquities looting and illegal trade,” IAA official Rahamim Farjon said in a statement. “They were allegedly unearthed using metal detectors and removed from the ground without a permit, in violation of the law.”
Under Israel’s Antiquities Law, only artifacts discovered before 1978 may be traded legally. Any item found after that year is considered state property and must be handed over to the IAA within 15 days of discovery.
According to estimates by the IAA’s Theft Prevention Unit, some 20,000 artifacts are illegally traded in Israel every year.
“It’s heartbreaking,” Farjon added.”Every ancient object taken out of its historical and archaeological context loses its scientific and cultural value, damaging the collective puzzle of our shared history.”
The suspect provided testimony to the IAA at the police station.
According to the IAA statement, he was already known to the Tax Authority for previous involvement in illegal antiquities trading.
Following the investigation, the case will be transferred to the IAA’s legal department, which will determine whether to file an indictment.
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