UNESCO Inscribes West Bank Town of Sebastia and Lebanese Castles on World Heritage List Despite Israeli Objections

A United Nations committee in Busan, South Korea, officially added the West Bank town of Sebastia and five castles in Lebanon’s Mount Amel region to the World Heritage List. The committee also designated these sites as being in danger due to ongoing regional conflicts. The decision was made under emergency procedures, recognizing the historical significance of the locations while acknowledging the toll of recent military actions. The designation comes despite significant pushback from Israel, which accused the organization of "weaponizing" cultural heritage. The Israeli Foreign Ministry argued that the listings could erase the site's well-documented Jewish and Christian history. While the Palestinian delegation celebrated the recognition of Sebastia—ancient Samaria—as a victory for preservation, Israel noted that the nearby Beaufort Castle has been used as a military stronghold by Hezbollah. The administration's previous involvement with the agency saw both the US and Israel withdraw in 2019. The US is currently scheduled to withdraw again at the end of the year.

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