Israel Returns 22 Looted Greek Artifacts, Marking First Repatriation

Israel has returned 22 ancient Greek artworks and artefacts that were removed illegally, marking the country's inaugural repatriation to Greece. The handover took place at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens, where Israel's ambassador Pninat Yanay presented the objects to Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni. The pieces, confiscated by the Israel Antiquities Authority, consist of 15 Attic vessels, six Corinthian vessels and a bronze female statuette, dating to the Archaic and Classical periods.

Officials highlighted the symbolic importance of returning cultural objects to their place of origin and stressed the need for joint action against illicit trafficking. Mendoni called the event a starting point for deeper bilateral collaboration on heritage protection. The move is expected to strengthen ties between the two nations in preserving archaeological legacy.