UNESCO brands ancient capital of Israel ‘Palestinian heritage,’ drawing Israeli fury

UNESCO brands ancient capital of Israel ‘Palestinian heritage,’ drawing Israeli fury

Israeli Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli sharply condemned UNESCO for recognizing Sebastia—the site of ancient Samaria, capital of the biblical Kingdom of Israel—as a Palestinian heritage site, accusing the organization of disregarding the site’s deep Jewish history. During a visit to Sebastia, Chikli read directly from the First Book of Kings, which recounts how King Omri purchased the hill of Samaria and built his capital there nearly …