# Antiquities repatriation between Greece and Israel

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/antiquities-repatriation-between-greece-and-israel
> Updated: 2026-10-13T12:04:36.000Z. Sources: 21. Developments: 2.

Greece has received 22 antiquities from Israel that were identified as having been illegally removed from the country. The collection, which was seized by Israel’s Anti-Trafficking Unit, includes 15 Attic vessels of black-figure, red-figure, and black-glazed styles, six Corinthian vessels, and one bronze female figurine currently undergoing authenticity investigations.

During a handover ceremony at the National Archaeological Museum, Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni noted that this event marks the first time Israel has returned antiquities to Greece. The collection includes pottery dating to the Archaic and Classical periods, with artifacts provisionally dated between approximately 700 B.C. and 320 B.C. The items were handed over to Minister Mendoni by Israeli Ambassador Pninat Yanay and Amir Ganor, director of the Israel Antiquities Authority’s theft prevention division.

The cooperation is intended to signal a new era of partnership between the two nations to combat the illegal trafficking of cultural goods and protect heritage. Minister Mendoni stated that the return serves as a starting point for closer collaboration to address archaeological theft and organized criminal networks involved in the illegal trade of cultural property. This cultural exchange occurs amid strengthening ties between Greece and Israel, which have recently expanded cooperation in the energy and defense sectors.

## Claims

- This is the first time Israel has returned antiquities to Greece. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The antiquities were identified and seized by the Antiquities Authority's Anti-Trafficking Unit. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- A total of 22 antiquities were returned to Greece. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The transfer ceremony took place at the National Archaeological Museum. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The collection includes 15 vessels of Attic origin. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The collection includes 6 vessels from Corinthian workshops. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The collection includes one bronze figurine of a female form. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The authenticity of the bronze figurine requires further investigation. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-13: Israel returns 22 ancient Greek artifacts to Greece

Israel has returned 22 ancient Greek artifacts to Athens, marking the first such repatriation and a new milestone in bilateral cooperation to combat antiquities trafficking.

19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-receives-22-antiquities-returned-from-israel

### 2026-09-26: Euphronios vase returned to Italy after looting investigation

The Euphronios vase, a significant Greek artifact, was returned to Italy in 2008 after being linked to illegal looting and smuggling networks involving the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/euphronios-vase-returned-to-italy-after-looting-investigation

---
Cite as: Antiquities repatriation between Greece and Israel. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/antiquities-repatriation-between-greece-and-israel