Two suspects were arrested while carrying out an illegal excavation at the Horvat Hermesh archaeological site in northern Israel, where remains from the Roman and Byzantine periods are located. Authorities discovered shattered pottery and disturbed earth at the scene, and the suspects were detained and taken for questioning. During transport, a rocket siren forced police officers, inspectors, the suspects, and around 30 civilians to take shelter together until an all-clear was issued.

In a separate incident, two residents of Fureidis were apprehended at the Horvat Hadarim site along the Carmel coast for illegally searching for antiquities with metal detectors and digging tools. They were found in possession of looted artifacts, and their case has been forwarded for possible indictment.

Officials condemned the thefts, emphasizing that enforcement efforts continue despite ongoing security threats. Authorities stressed that damage to archaeological sites harms the nation’s cultural heritage and vowed to maintain protection of historical assets even during wartime.