The annual conference of the Israel Exploration Society has been postponed due to political interference from Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu. The interference was a result of objections to the participation of an archaeologist who supports protecting ancient sites as public assets. The decision to postpone the conference was praised by Emek Shaveh, an organization that advocates for the independence of scientific archaeology and academic freedom. The Heritage Minister expressed surprise at the cancellation and stated that the decision was disappointing to lovers of heritage and archaeology.