Hebron: Israel Transfers Planning Authority for Ibrahimi Mosque Area

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced that Israel's Higher Planning Council has transferred planning and construction authority for the Ibrahimi Mosque area in Hebron from the Palestinian Authority to Israeli authorities. The decision was made on Monday night, with Smotrich revealing the move on Tuesday during an inauguration ceremony for the Doran settlement.

"This move cancels parts of the 1997 Hebron Agreement," Smotrich said.

Contradicting Statements

Israel's Foreign Ministry offered a different interpretation, stating that the agreement was not canceled. According to the ministry, planning authority was transferred only for the Jewish settlement and Jewish heritage sites, citing a lack of cooperation from the Hebron municipality.

The Palestinian Authority condemned the step as unlawful and a violation of signed agreements and international law. They called on the international community and the United States to intervene.

Hebron Mayor Yusuf al-Jabari stated that any unilateral modification outside existing international understandings constitutes a serious breach.

The Israeli peace group Peace Now described the move as dangerous and politically motivated.

Background: The 1997 Hebron Agreement

The 1997 Hebron Agreement divided the city into two sectors:

• H2 sector: Israel retained security control, which includes the Jewish settlement and the Ibrahimi Mosque.
• Civil powers remained with the Palestinian municipality.

The Ibrahimi Mosque / Cave of the Patriarchs is a site sacred to both Jews and Muslims. Since 2017, it has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in danger.