Netanyahu to discuss separating Hebron from Palestinian Authority's rule: Reports
'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly considering a controversial plan to separate Hebron from the Palestinian Authority (PA), raising concerns about its potential impact on the future of a Palestinian state.
i24NEWS Hebrew media reported that, in response to plans by several Western countries to recognize a Palestinian state next month, Netanyahu is expected to hold an initial discussion on Friday about detaching Hebron from the PA.
According to the news outlet, the meeting, which was reportedly held today at the Prime Minister’s Office, included Economy Minister Nir Barkat, who first proposed the plan, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and senior security officials.
They are expected to examine the feasibility of replacing PA leadership in the area with local clans and establishing a separate emirate, which would recognize 'Israel' as a Jewish state and join the Abraham Accords.
The report stated that, if implemented, the plan could undermine the concept of a Palestinian state under PA rule.
It cited an article published last month in The Wall Street Journal, which said the initiative, formulated by Barkat allegedly together with several Hebron sheikhs, is based on civil, economic, and security cooperation with 'Israel'. The plan includes the creation of a joint industrial zone covering more than 1,000 dunams near the security barrier, expected to employ tens of thousands of Palestinian workers.
However, on July 6, Hebron’s Palestinian clans publicly rejected the proposal to establish a "tribal emirate" in the governorate, affirming their commitment to Palestinian national principles.
At the time, Hebron clans representative Nafeth Al-Jaabari condemned the Wall Street Journal report, which suggested that one member of the Al-Jaabari family had proposed recognizing 'Israel' as a Jewish state.
According to the report, in exchange for this recognition, a tribal emirate would be established in Hebron under the Al-Jaabari family’s administration, with the proposed emirate joining the Abraham Accords to normalize relations with 'Israel'.
Al-Jaabari said: "The Palestinian people are conscious, and their cause cannot be compromised. We, as the Al-Jaabari clan, declare our complete disavowal, condemnation, and outrage at the actions of one unknown family member, who is not a resident of Hebron."
