Smotrich cancels Hebron Protocol, ending Palestinian control in occupied city

What Happened

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced on Monday the cancellation of the Hebron Protocol, a component of the Oslo Accords, thereby stripping the Palestinian Hebron Municipality of its authority over construction projects in the occupied West Bank city. The decision was finalized by Israel's Higher Planning Council following a security cabinet decision approved in principle on 8 February. Smotrich characterized the protocol as an 'absurd clause' that made Jewish settlement in Hebron dependent on the 'terror municipality.' The move ends Palestinian planning and construction jurisdiction in the city, transferring it to the Israeli state, and directly affects the H2 zone, including the Ibrahimi Mosque. Yousef al-Jabari, mayor of Hebron, said the decision disregards international agreements and is an electioneering effort by Smotrich, aiming to seize municipal properties and consolidate settler control. The article also notes that the International Criminal Court has filed an arrest warrant application against Smotrich for alleged crimes including forced displacement and transfer of population into occupied territory.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The cancellation of the Hebron Protocol dismantles a core pillar of the Oslo Accords, unilaterally altering the governance of Hebron and expanding Israeli control over the H2 zone and holy sites like the Ibrahimi Mosque. It exemplifies the Israeli far-right's push toward de facto annexation of the West Bank, directly undermining Palestinian municipal authority and escalating tensions in an already volatile area. The move coincides with Smotrich's ICC exposure, linking it to broader legal and political contests over settlement policies and alleged war crimes.

Watch For

Monitor the implementation of the decision—whether Israeli authorities immediately assume planning functions and how the Palestinian municipality responds. Watch for increased settlement activity, movement restrictions, or military operations in H2, especially around the Ibrahimi Mosque. Track international reactions, particularly from the United States, the European Union, and Arab states, and any statements from the Palestinian Authority. Follow the ICC's handling of the arrest warrant application against Smotrich, as the cancellation could be cited as evidence of ongoing policy. Also note potential Israeli domestic political fallout, given al-Jabari's claim that Smotrich is electioneering.