Israel Seizes Hebron Planning Powers

Israel has seized planning and construction powers in Palestine — Hebron from Palestinian authorities, effectively scrapping parts of the 1997 Palestine — Hebron Agreement. This move, spearheaded by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, transfers control over Jewish settler areas and holy sites, including the Ibrahimi Mosque/Cave of the Patriarchs, to Israeli authorities. The Palestine — Palestinian Authority, led by Mahmoud Abbas, and the Palestinian mayor of Palestine — Hebron, Yousef Al-Jabari, have condemned this as an infringement on Palestine — Hebron's status and a violation of international law. Smotrich also approved the expansion of a Jewish school in Palestine — Hebron's historic core, aiming to deepen Israeli sovereignty in the West Bank and prevent Palestinian statehood. This action has drawn criticism from international bodies and organizations like the Council on American-Islamic Relations and Chris Doyle, who warn of increased tensions and potential ethnic cleansing of Palestinians, as highlighted by activist Issa Amro. Israeli settlers, represented by Eyal Gelman, have welcomed the move, seeing it as an opportunity for further expansion.