Arabic version: إسرائيل تنقل السيطرة على الخليل إلى القوات العسكرية

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich says Israel has transferred authority over Hebron to the army. This decision includes control of the key holy site, the Cave of the Patriarchs.

According to Al Jazeera, the move is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Israeli presence in contested areas. The Cave of the Patriarchs is a site revered by both Jews and Muslims, making its control a contentious issue in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.

The announcement has raised concerns among various groups regarding the implications for security and the potential impact on local Palestinian residents. This transfer of authority marks a significant shift in the governance of Hebron, a city that has a complex history of conflict and coexistence.

The Israeli government continues to assert its right to manage the security and administrative aspects of Hebron, emphasizing its importance in the context of national security.