Expansion of Jewish School in Hebron Sparks Controversy

Israel has approved plans to expand a Jewish school for settlers in the center of Hebron, a Palestinian city in the occupied West Bank. This decision has sparked concerns among Palestinians who view the construction as a breach of a longstanding agreement.

The announcement came from Israel’s Finance Minister a day after he canceled a deal that had granted the Palestinian municipality oversight of certain planning and construction activities around Hebron’s historic core. This area is significant for hosting a contested religious site, the Cave of the Patriarchs, which is sacred to Muslims, Jews, and Christians.

Approximately 1,000 Jewish settlers live in this enclave under full Israeli security control, sharing the area with tens of thousands of Palestinians. In the 1997 Hebron Agreement, it was established that Israeli troops would remain deployed but construction would typically need Palestinian municipal approval, particularly near the shrine.

The city’s religious significance has led to focused settlement efforts to increase the Jewish presence. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich confirmed that a plan to construct a 10,000 square foot building for a Jewish school in Hebron’s historic core has been approved. Smotrich, known for his opposition to Palestinian statehood, stated, “We are continuing to build the Land of Israel in practice and to implement practical sovereignty in the settlements.”

Issa Amro, a Palestinian activist residing in Hebron, expressed concerns over the potential impacts of Israel’s actions on Palestinian residents. He fears that dismantling aspects of the Hebron Agreement may leave Palestinians without essential services.

Amro argues that these actions are designed to compel Palestinians to leave by making life increasingly difficult. He described the situation as an “ethnic cleansing” of Palestinian families from their residences, leading to further displacement. He believes Israel’s actions are a theft of Palestinians’ dreams for statehood and peaceful living.