Israel Police finds 200 looted archaeological objects during house search in Dimona

'Every artifact removed from its context loses its scientific and cultural value'

Some 200 ancient items, including coins, arrowheads, complete pottery vessels, oil lamps, glass beads, pendants and metal objects, were found by police officers during a search of a house in Dimona on Monday.

The objects were confiscated, alongside two metal detectors, and the suspect was detained for questioning at the local police station overnight.

According to the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), which was called to assist in the unusual case, the search came after intelligence indications regarding the suspect, who was known to be involved in the illegal antiquities trade.

The case will be handled by the IAA’s legal department, which will work to determine whether criminal charges can be filed.

The confiscated items span large parts of the Holy Land’s history, from the Iron Age around the 9th century BC, to the period of the early Islamic rule over the land in the 7th century AD.

Rahamim Farjun, an inspector with the IAA who was called to scene, stated, “The findings that were seized at the suspect’s home point to antiquities looting and illegal trade, discovered with the help of metal detectors and uprooted from the ground, apparently without a license and in violation of the law.”

“It breaks your heart,” Farjun added. “Every artifact removed from its historical and archaeological context loses its scientific and cultural value. It damages the historical puzzle we all share.”

Ancient coins seized from the home of a Dimona resident suspected of illegal antiquities trade. (Photo: Yoli Schwartz/Israel Antiquities Authority)

Looted artifacts seized at the house of a Dimona resident suspected of illegal antiquities trafficking on April 21, 2025. (Photo: Yoli Schwartz/Israel Antiquities Authority)

During regular archaeological excavations, every item that is found is meticulously photographed in situ before it is removed to be numbered and cataloged.

The context of an object is crucial for its interpretation, and without it, an object is often nearly useless to scientists.

Due to the enormous number and density of archaeological sites in Israel, illegal excavations and antiquities trade is a serious problem.

IAA Director Eli Escusido stated, “The Antiquities Authority is determined to thwart the illegal trade in heritage items. These finds belong to the public and serve as tangible evidence of the country’s past. We will not allow them to be sold for personal profit.”