About two weeks ago, a group of antiquities robbers were caught at the Sartaba archaeological site, located in eastern Samaria. The robbers were caught by the Archaeology unit and the Nature Authority of the Civil Administration during a routine patrol in the area, in which the inspectors noticed four suspicious Arabs who were engaging in illegal digging for antiquities at the site.
The suspects were arrested with digging tools and a metal detector. In addition, a jeep was confiscated.
The four suspects were arrested by the Israel Police and after a court hearing, two of the robbers were released after ten days of detention and a fine of NIS 2,000. The other two received 35 days of detention and a fine of 4,000 shekels. For the vehicle, the robbers paid a fine of NIS 8,000.
"We are working hard, day and night, to ensure quiet, order and the preservation of law and history, and we will do everything in our power to prevent illegal activities," said Hanania Hezmi, head of the Nature Authority staff in the Civil Administration.