Israel Seizes Planning Powers at Hebron's Ibrahimi Mosque

Israel seized planning and construction powers from the Palestinian Authority at the Ibrahimi Mosque and Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron. Bezalel Smotrich, Israel's Finance Minister, announced the move on June 16, claiming he had canceled the 1997 Hebron Agreement to end the municipality's authority over Jewish holy sites and settlements. This action followed a February decision by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet to facilitate land acquisition for settlers.

Immediately following the announcement, the Israeli Foreign Ministry contradicted Smotrich, clarifying that the Hebron Agreement was not canceled in its entirety. The ministry stated that only specific jurisdictions regarding Jewish heritage sites were adjusted due to a lack of cooperation from the Hebron municipality. Despite these contradictions, the Higher Planning Council of the Civil Administration approved the construction of a 1,000-square-meter building for the Shavei Hebron Yeshiva on June 17, the first such approval in decades without Palestinian municipal consent. The council also approved 576 housing units in other West Bank settlements, including Mitzpe Yeriho and Karnei Shomron.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Hebron Mayor Yousef Al-Jabari condemned the seizure as a racist violation of international law. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the Council on American-Islamic Relations also warned that the move undermines the legal status of one of Islam's holiest sites and threatens regional stability.