Full Breakdown
Smotrich Declares Cancellation of Hebron Agreement, Shifts Planning Authority to Israel
6/17/2026, 2:11:43 AM
Core Event: Transfer of Planning Authority in Hebron’s H2 Sector
On 16 June 2026 Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced that Israel had moved planning, zoning and construction control in Hebron’s H2 zone—from the Palestinian municipal council to Israeli bodies. The Higher Planning Committee of the Civil Administration, a Defense-Ministry department under Smotrich, enacted the decision on Monday night after a security-cabinet approval “several months ago.” The change targets the Jewish settlement and the Tomb of the Patriarchs/Ibrahimi Mosque.
Background & Context: 1997 Hebron Agreement and Oslo II
The 1997 Hebron Agreement, signed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat under Oslo II, split Hebron into H1 (? 80 % under Palestinian rule) and H2 (? 20 % under Israeli security). While Israel kept security in H2, civil powers—including planning—were given to the Palestinian municipality.
Data & Statistics
Hebron contains several hundred Jewish settlers amid 200,000 Palestinians. H1 covers about 80 % of the city, H2 the remaining 20 % and the Tomb of the Patriarchs. UNESCO lists the Old City and Ibrahimi Mosque as World Heritage in Danger.
Official Statements & Responses
Israeli Foreign Ministry said Hebron Agreement “has not been canceled,” noting a prior cabinet decision only altered planning for Jewish settlement and heritage sites because of “lack of cooperation” from the municipality. U.S. State Department reiterated Washington’s opposition to annexation, stating, “As the president has clearly stated, he does not support Israel annexing the West Bank.” Palestinian Authority called the move a violation of signed agreements and international law, urging U.S. intervention. Defense Minister Israel Katz described the step as “setting facts on the ground.”
Criticism & Opposition
Peace Now called the decision “dangerous and irresponsible,” accusing Smotrich of trying to “set the West Bank on fire.” Mayor Yusuf al-Jabari said the move “strips the Hebron municipality of its powers” and undermines city’s political framework.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Smotrich says Hebron accords were “cancelled,” while Israeli Foreign Ministry asserts the agreement remains in force with only limited changes. Sources do not specify Israeli agency that will manage H2 planning.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Yesterday we cancelled the Hebron agreements,” — Bezalel Smotrich, Finance Minister of Israel
- “For many years, one of the most absurd Oslo clauses remained in place, with powers concerning the Jewish settlement in Hebron and the holy sites dependent on the terror municipality of Hebron,” — Bezalel Smotrich, Finance Minister of Israel
- “This is a dangerous and irresponsible step of a failed politician who is ready to harm Israel’s interests and security in order to gather a few votes from the extreme right,” — Peace Now, Israeli peace organization
- “racist decision aimed at stripping the Hebron municipality of its powers” — Yusuf al-Jabari, Mayor of Hebron
What’s Next
Israel will hold national elections by the end of October 2026, a schedule that could intensify political pressure on settlement policy. International actors are expected to assess the move’s impact on the stalled peace process and the risk of de-facto annexation.
