Live Feeds
● LIVE Updated 1h ago · 14 sources tracked

Israel seizes powers over flashpoint West Bank shrine from Palestinians

Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced the government has taken planning and construction powers over the Ibrahimi Mosque/Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron, ending Palestinian authority under the 1997 Hebron Agreement. The move follows approval of settler construction in the city without Palestinian consent for the first time in decades. Palestinian officials and Muslim advocacy groups have condemned the action, while the US has warned against further annexation efforts. The shift marks a significant escalation in Israeli control over a flashpoint site shared by Jewish and Muslim worshippers.

RSS Source map (14)

What changed

Israel has unilaterally revoked Palestinian planning authority at the shrine complex, a first since the 1997 agreement, and approved settler building plans in Hebron without Palestinian input.

Live updates

  1. Israel seizes Hebron shrine control from Palestinians, scrapping 1997 deal

    Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced the government has taken planning and construction powers over the Ibrahimi Mosque/Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron, ending Palestinian authority under the 1997 Hebron Agreement. The move follows approval of settler construction in the city without Palestinian consent for the first time in decades. Palestinian officials and Muslim advocacy groups have condemned the action, while the US has warned against further annexation efforts. The shift marks a significant escalation in Israeli control over a flashpoint site shared by Jewish and Muslim worshippers.

    What's confirmed:

    • Israel has seized planning and construction powers at the Ibrahimi Mosque and Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron from Palestinian authorities, scrapping parts of the 1997 Hebron Agreement.
    • Under the 1997 Hebron Agreement, Palestinians previously controlled planning and construction in the entire city, including the shrine complex.
    • Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced the move on Tuesday, stating it was part of an effort to extend Israeli control throughout the West Bank.
    • This is the first time Israel has approved construction in Hebron without Palestinian consent since the agreement was established.
    • The Ibrahimi Mosque is a holy site for both Muslims and Jews, located in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron.
    • Palestinian officials and a Muslim advocacy group have condemned Israel’s seizure of control at the shrine.
    • The US has warned Israel against actions that could lead to annexation in the West Bank.

    Still unconfirmed:

    • Smotrich has stated he is 'abolishing' the Hebron agreement entirely, though the full scope of changes remains unclear.
    • Israel may extend similar control measures to other areas of the West Bank beyond Hebron.
    • Unconfirmed reports suggest heightened tensions between Israeli settlers and Palestinian residents in Hebron following the announcement.
    confidence 97%