Smotrich Cancels Hebron Agreement, Palestinians Warn of Escalation

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced the cancellation of the 1997 Hebron Agreement, which had divided control of the city between Israel and the Palestinians. The move would place Hebron under full Israeli control and strip Palestinians of authority over the Ibrahimi Mosque. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas warned of escalation, and Palestinians condemned the decision. Israel's Foreign Ministry pushed back on Smotrich's claim, rejecting the assertion that the agreement was canceled.