Press Release: High Court of Justice to hear objections to appointment of Director of Israel Antiquities Authority
On Thursday, February 5 at 9am, the High Court of Justice will discuss the petition by Emek Shaveh against the appointment of the Director General of the Israel Antiquities Authority. We demand that a professional archaeologist be appointed, and argue that the hire made by the Minister of Culture and Sport is political and does not meet the needs of the job.
In September 2014, when the search for a new IAA Director began, Emek Shaveh petitioned the High Court demanding that the qualifications include background and training in archaeology, and familiarity with the antiquities for which s/he will be responsible. Nevertheless, about two months ago the Minister of Culture and Sports appointed as Director former MK Israel Hasson, who is also former Deputy Director of Shin Bet but who holds no professional archaeological qualifications. The Government Appointments Committee has determined that the approval was subject to the High Court decision in the matter.
Emek Shaveh’s petition, which will be discussed on Feb 5, is based on the illegality of the procedure and the published qualifications, and demands that a number of minimum requirements must be fulfilled:
- A reputable archaeologist should hold the position of the IAA Director, rather than making the position a political appointment
- A candidate who is affiliated with political organizations or large financial organizations that have deep and complex working relationships with the IAA should be avoided.
Mr. Hasson has no experience or education in the field of archeology. In the past, MK Hasson was a security and deputy head of the Shabak (General Security Services). Our understanding is that this rich experience is not relevant to the requirements of the directorship of the IAA. During his tenure in the Knesset, Hasson advanced the proposed amendment to the National Parks Act (frozen for now) that would allow private organizations to manage national parks. This bill, according to Hasson himself, was designed to enable Elad continue to archaeological park. Elad Foundation funds a significant portion of the excavations of the Israel Antiquities Authority. The IAA’s decisions about where to excavate and where to allow construction are extremely significant for Elad’s activities in the village of Silwan. Hasson’s prior support for Elad indicates the danger that his external political interests will accompany his decisions in the future.
By virtue of her/his role, the Director of the IAA can decide undisputedly which archaeological sites will be excavated and which will be saved for future generations. The Director plays a major role in shaping the heritage of Israel with respect to ancient sites.
In fact IAA wears two “hats,” acting as both a statutory authority in charge of determining Antiquities policy, the supervision of excavation and compliance with the law; as well as a scientific body determining the scope of salvage excavations. The IAA is responsible for about 90% of the archaeological research done in Israel, and carries great weight in shaping the level of academic work in the field.
As stated in the details of the call, “the Israel Antiquities Authority is the leading professional institute of archeology of the Land of Israel, in charge of the antiquities of Israel and the ancient sites.” This statement, more than anything else, explains the need for the selection of a professional Director for the position.
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