Israeli Antiquities Authority Facing Charges of Corruption in Alleged Theft of Ancient Stones

The Israeli Antiquities Authority (IAA), which in recent years has embarked on an aggressive campaign aimed at thwarting antiquities dealers in the country, is now under fire itself, according to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz. The paper reports that senior officials of the IAA are under investigation for alleged involvement in the removal of artifacts from the Old City of Acre which is a protected archaeological site. The allegations were spurred by a senior, highly respected IAA inspector who filed a complaint with police after stopping a truck removing ancient objects without the necessary permits. The driver claimed to be acting under authority of the Company for the Development of the Old City of Acre.  IAA director general Yehoshua Dorfman initially tried to persuade police to drop their investigation, and then resorted to suspending the inspector and beginning the process of firing him. The incident illustrates the current highly charged political environment in Israel regarding antiquities. The IAA has come under increasing scrutiny and criticism from collectors and dealers. Few have dared question its seemingly autocratic authority for fear of retribution from its tactics of intimidation.  The IAA is currently locked in a bitter court battle with prominent Israeli antiquities collectors and dealers. Click here for the full story.