David Be'eri is an Israeli archaeologist, settlement activist, and prominent figure in Jerusalem's historical and political landscape. Born in Israel, he served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) as a deputy commander of the elite Duvdevan Unit, an undercover counter-terrorism unit. After his military service, Be'eri transitioned into civilian activism focused on Jewish heritage sites in East Jerusalem. In 1986, he founded the Ir David Foundation (also known as Elad), a non-governmental organization dedicated to the preservation and development of the City of David archaeological site in the Silwan neighborhood. He has served as its managing director since the early 1990s, overseeing the foundation's operations in the City of David, leading archaeological digs, tourism initiatives, and settlement expansion in the area.

Under his leadership, the foundation has conducted excavations, promoted tourism, and facilitated Jewish settlement in the area, often sparking controversy due to its location in disputed East Jerusalem territory. One notable early initiative involved acquiring properties in Silwan; in 1987, Be'eri allegedly posed as a tour guide to befriend the Palestinian Abbasi family before petitioning the Israeli government to revoke their custodianship of their home, according to reports by journalist Meron Rappaport for the NGO Ir Amim. Be'eri is married to Michal Be'eri, who has been referenced in accounts of these activities. His work has drawn criticism from human rights groups for contributing to the displacement of Palestinian residents and altering the demographic balance in East Jerusalem, amid ongoing Israeli-Palestinian tensions.

In recognition of his contributions to Israeli society and Jerusalem's heritage, Be'eri received the prestigious Israel Prize for lifetime achievement in 2017, marking the 50th anniversary of Jerusalem's unification. Despite accolades, his tenure at Elad continues to be contentious, with allegations of aggressive settlement expansion and political influence in one of the world's most sensitive geopolitical flashpoints. Be'eri's efforts have positioned him as a key player in networks of influence surrounding archaeology, tourism, and settlement policy in Israel.