Israel's parliament is advancing a controversial bill that would establish a new civilian authority to oversee antiquities and heritage sites in the West Bank, with a proposed update to extend its authority to Gaza as well. The legislation has passed its first reading and is expected to move toward final votes in committee and the full parliament.

The legal adviser to the parliamentary Education, Culture, and Sports Committee warned that the bill represents a significant departure from existing policy and may violate international law. She said extending broad civilian powers into Areas A and B of the West Bank and Gaza would contradict interim agreements with the Palestinians and could raise constitutional concerns. She also cautioned that formalizing such authority in legislation could bolster international claims of 'creeping annexation.'

Supporters argue the measure is necessary to protect and manage heritage sites, proposing a new authority under the Heritage Ministry similar to the existing national antiquities body. Critics contend the move amounts to an attempt to extend Israeli governance over Palestinians in the territories.

The bill's advancement comes amid parallel efforts to dissolve parliament and potentially move up national elections. Opposition figures have criticized the government for prioritizing contentious legislation instead of focusing on the dissolution process.