Hebron: The so-called Higher Planning Council of the Israeli army's 'Civil Administration' approved on Wednesday the construction of 576 colonial units in the West Bank and a large building in Hebron.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the Higher Planning Council (HPC), an executive arm of the 'Civil Administration', has sanctioned the development of 456 new colonial units in the settlement of Mitzpe Yeriho near Jericho. Additionally, 120 units are set to be constructed in the Karnei Shomron settlement, aligned with Israel's broader strategy to expand colonial settlements in the occupied West Bank.
The council's decision further includes the establishment of a 1,000-square-meter building for Shavei Hebron Yeshiva, situated near the Beit Romano settlement in Hebron. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich expressed approval of these developments, highlighting the influx of new residents to Mitzpe Yeriho and the new building for the Shavei Hebron Yeshiva in Hebron. He described this expansion as a 'national initiative' that reinforces Israel's presence and prevents the formation of an Arab state in the area.
This approval follows closely on the heels of Smotrich's announcement, a day prior, to transfer significant planning and construction powers in Hebron from Palestinian municipal authorities to Israeli control. This shift could potentially alter the established administrative arrangements set forth under the 1997 Hebron Agreement.
During the inauguration of the Doron settlement in the Hebron hills, Smotrich characterized the transfer of powers as a 'historic correction' and part of a broader effort to solidify what he termed Israeli sovereignty over the occupied West Bank. This decision will impact planning authority in key areas of Hebron, including significant sites such as the Ibrahimi Mosque.
These recent developments are part of a series of Israeli measures that aim to transform the legal and administrative framework of the occupied West Bank. Palestinian officials and rights advocates argue that these actions facilitate de facto annexation by progressively transferring authority from Palestinian institutions to Israeli entities.
The situation in Hebron, particularly its unique status under the Oslo framework, has drawn increased focus. The city has been divided between Palestinian-administered and Israeli-controlled sectors while maintaining certain municipal powers across both areas.