A new bill in Israel aims to extend civilian control over antiquities in the West Bank and Gaza, establishing a 'Judea, Samaria, and Gaza Heritage Authority' under the Heritage Ministry. This proposal has drawn criticism from legal advisers within the Knesset Education, Culture and Sports Committee, who argue it violates Israel’s international commitments, particularly the 1995 Oslo II Accords, which outline the governance of the West Bank. The legal position paper highlights that the bill contradicts existing agreements regarding Areas A and B in the West Bank, where the Palestinian Authority holds civilian authority, and notes that Israel has no civil powers in Gaza. The IDF has voiced its opposition, warning that the bill could undermine international efforts to govern Gaza. Supporters of the bill, including MK Amit Halevi and Zvi Sukkot, assert that it aims to extend Israeli sovereignty, raising concerns about the democratic implications of such a move without broad political consensus. As the Knesset faces a time crunch due to impending elections, the bill is being rushed through discussions, with its future uncertain amid potential legislative changes.