Israel Heritage Ministry Expands West Bank Archaeology Control

Israel's archaeology community is embroiled in controversy after the Israel Exploration Society canceled its major annual Archaeological Congress due to pressure from far-right Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu to exclude a critic of Israeli policies in the occupied West Bank. The debate highlights the growing politicization of archaeology amid Israel's efforts to annex parts of the West Bank and reshape cultural heritage sites, including plans to convert historical areas in occupied territories into national parks disconnected from Palestinian communities. Meanwhile, Israel's housing market shows mixed signals, with a slight price dip in recent months but a 5.1% annual increase, despite ongoing conflicts such as the war in Gaza and tensions with Iran. Sales of new apartments have declined significantly, partly due to tightened financing rules, while inflation has eased to 3.1% annually. These developments occur against a backdrop of political shifts elsewhere, exemplified by Zohran Mamdani's progressive campaign for New York City mayor, which proposes sweeping changes in housing affordability and taxation that could impact real estate markets and municipal finances if he is elected.