Israel Approves Expansion of Jewish School in Hebron

Israel approved plans on Wednesday to expand a Jewish school for settlers in Hebron, a Palestinian city in the occupied West Bank. Palestinians argue this action violates a long-standing agreement.

The announcement came from Israel’s finance minister, a day after he canceled a deal that allowed the Palestinian municipality some control over planning and construction near Hebron’s historic core. This area includes a holy site significant to Muslims, Jews, and Christians, known as the Cave of the Patriarchs.

The enclave surrounding this revered site hosts over 1,000 Jewish settlers amidst a much larger Palestinian population. The Israeli military maintains security in the area. As per the 1997 Hebron Agreement, construction activities typically needed the Palestinian municipality’s consent, especially around the shrine area.

The city’s religious significance has attracted Israeli settlers determined to enhance the Jewish presence. Bezalel Smotrich, the far-right finance minister, revealed plans for a 10,000-square-foot building for a Jewish school in Hebron’s historic center had received approval.

“We are continuing to build the Land of Israel in practice and to implement practical sovereignty in the settlements,” said Smotrich, a minister known for opposing Palestinian statehood.

Issa Amro, a Palestinian activist residing in Hebron, expressed concerns about the dismantling of parts of the Hebron Agreement. He worried it would deprive Palestinian residents of basic services, suggesting the move aimed to make life unbearable for them and prompt an exodus.

“It means ethnic cleansing of Palestinian families from their homes, and more displacement,” Amro stated. He characterized Israel’s actions as stealing Palestinian aspirations for a state and a life free from violence, fear, and conflict.