UN Adds West Bank Site and Lebanese Castles to World Heritage List, Citing Danger
A United Nations committee has added an archaeological site in the West Bank and five castles in Lebanon to its World Heritage List, despite Israeli objections. The site in the West Bank, identified as ancient Samaria, and the Lebanese castles…
Houston, TX, July 24, 2026 —
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) committee has inscribed an archaeological site in the West Bank and five castles in Lebanon onto its World Heritage List. The designations were made despite objections raised by Israel.
The site in the West Bank, identified as ancient Samaria, along with the five Lebanese castles located in the Mount Amel area, have also been placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger. This classification is attributed to ongoing conflicts in the regions.
Israel voiced strong opposition to the nominations, characterizing them as a “weaponization of cultural heritage.” According to Israeli officials, the move is a politically motivated effort to erase Jewish and Christian history. A specific point of contention is Beaufort Castle in Lebanon, which Israel claims has been converted into a military stronghold by Hezbollah.
When approached for comment regarding the allegations about Hezbollah’s use of Beaufort Castle, representatives from UNESCO and the Lebanese embassy both declined to provide statements.
The addition of these sites to the World Heritage List and the List of World Heritage in Danger underscores the complex intersection of cultural preservation and geopolitical tensions.
Story summarized from the original created by Kim Tong-Hyung, Associated Press on www.click2houston.com, see more information here.
