Story perspectives

Israel Seizes Hebron H2 Planning, PA Demands US Intervention

6/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced Israel ended key parts of the 1997 Hebron Agreement and gave planning control to Israeli authorities.
Israel now controls planning in Hebron’s H2 zone, covering the Jewish Tomb of the Patriarchs and the Muslim Ibrahimi Mosque.
The Palestinian Authority called the step a breach and asked the United States to intervene.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry said the agreement remains unchanged.
The U.S. State Department reiterated opposition to any West Bank annexation.

History

Historical Context

Signed on 13 September 1993, the Oslo I Accord between Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat created the Palestinian Authority and began a five-year interim that never produced a final treaty. The 1997 Hebron Protocol withdrew Israeli forces from about 80 % of the city, a provision now threatened by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s revocation, prompting PA and U.S. protests.

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Story summary

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced Israel ended key parts of the 1997 Hebron Agreement and gave planning control to Israeli authorities.
Israel now controls planning in Hebron’s H2 zone, covering the Jewish Tomb of the Patriarchs and the Muslim Ibrahimi Mosque.
The Palestinian Authority called the step a breach and asked the United States to intervene.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry said the agreement remains unchanged.
The U.S. State Department reiterated opposition to any West Bank annexation.

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