Four residents of Kafr Kanna in northern Israel were apprehended on suspicion of attempting to breach an ancient subterranean chamber at the archaeological site of Horvat Binit, a remote hilltop location in the Lower Galilee.
The suspects were caught in flagrante delicto by inspectors from the Israel Antiquities Authority’s Antiquities Theft Prevention Unit, with support from volunteers of the Border Police’s Lower Galilee “Matmid” Unit.
Looters caught at site
(Video: Israel Antiquities Authority)
During their interrogation, the suspects admitted to carrying out illegal excavations at the site on multiple occasions. Following their investigation at the Tiberias police station, the case will be referred to the IAA's legal department for the filing of an indictment.
Authorities monitored the suspects over several days and confiscated excavation tools and two Razor off-road vehicles used to access the remote site. These items have been seized by the IAA and will be processed in accordance with the law.
Horvat Binit, a modest yet significant site in the Lower Galilee hills, is renowned for its network of rock-hewn installations, primarily used for olive oil production. Excavations conducted between 1996 and 1998 by Yardena Alexander of the IAA, as part of an educational project involving students from the Yad Sason School, uncovered remarkable findings, including four olive presses and a winepress.
The archaeological evidence at Horvat Binit, which dates back to the Persian, Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods, highlights the site’s critical role in regional agriculture and economic infrastructure, particularly its contribution to olive oil production. During the Hellenistic period, the production of olive oil was pivotal to the Hasmonean efforts to consolidate Jewish settlement in the Galilee and achieve economic self-sufficiency.
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“Horvat Binit is a unique archaeological site nestled in the Lower Galilee hills,” explained Nir Distelfeld, an inspector with the Antiquities Theft Prevention Unit, who spearheaded the operation alongside Ran Kaftori. “The timing of this theft attempt, just before Hanukkah, adds a symbolic layer to our work. Much like the Hasmoneans who sought to secure Jewish economic independence, we are committed to preserving their legacy and protecting the remnants of our shared history for future generations.”
IAA Director Eli Escusido emphasized the broader implications of such incidents: “Looting at archaeological sites, which often involves the destruction of ancient stratigraphy, erases invaluable pieces of our historical puzzle. This incident underscores the importance of the meticulous work conducted by the Theft Prevention Unit and the close collaboration with enforcement agencies.
"The confiscation of tools used by the looters marks another critical step in our ongoing battle to protect heritage sites. Especially now, as we approach Hanukkah and reflect on the Hasmonean legacy of heroism, we remain steadfast in our mission to safeguard Israel’s archaeological heritage and ensure the preservation of the material culture passed down to us.”