Israel Returns 22 Greek Antiquities in First Repatriation

Israel returned 22 ancient Greek artifacts to Athens on Oct. 13, 2026, the first Israeli repatriation of antiquities to Greece. At the National Archaeological Museum, Culture Minister Lina Mendoni received the objects from the Israel Antiquities Authority and Amir Ganor, head of its theft-prevention unit, with ambassador Pninat Yanay taking part. The set includes Attic and Corinthian pottery—drinking cups, oil flasks, amphorae and vases with mythological or geometric scenes—and a small bronze female statuette that requires further authenticity study. Mendoni said the return "is of particular significance," adding that every restitution "carried a broader symbolic and moral dimension." Yanay said the items stemmed from an "investigation by the Israeli authorities into the illegal antiquities trade" and that archaeology "helps us understand where we came from and who we are." Dating is reported as the 5th and 6th centuries B.C. or provisionally about 700 B.C. to 320 B.C. Greek officials cast the handover as the start of closer heritage cooperation while pressing Britain for the Parthenon Marbles; Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said last week the sculptures could figure in UK-EU negotiations. Israel and Greece signed a 3 billion euro Achilles Shield air defense deal in August.