Israel seizes powers over Hebron shrine from Palestinian Authority

AI Summary

Israel has taken control over planning and construction powers at the Hebron shrine in the West Bank, previously under Palestinian Authority jurisdiction since the 1997 Hebron Agreement. This move affects the Jewish Tomb of the Patriarchs and the Muslim Ibrahimi Mosque, heightening tensions in the region.

JERUSALEM, June 16 (Reuters) - Israel has seized planning and construction powers at a Jewish and Muslim shrine in the occupied West Bank from the Palestinian Authority, scrapping an agreement in place since the 1990s, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said on Tuesday. Under the 1997 Hebron Agreement, Palestinians controlled planning and construction in the entire city, including the Jewish Tomb of the Patriarchs and the adjoining Muslim Ibrahimi Mosque.