Hebron-based sheikhs propose an emirate and peace agreement with Israel
In an unexpected development, Sheikh Wadi al-Jabari, leader of an influential Arab clan in Hebron, has proposed the creation of an emirate in the city and the recognition of Israel as a state. The proposal, however, seems to have yet to gain significant public attention or reporting in major news or academic sources, as of July 2025.
The proposed emirate, if realised, would mark a departure from the current political landscape, where the Gaza Strip is under the control of Hamas and the West Bank is governed by Fatah, led by Mahmoud Abbas. The West Bank clans, known for their fragmentation, have been a matter of concern for many in Israel, with some expressing doubts about their ability to combat terrorism effectively.
The idea of an emirate in Hebron has been advocated by 13 other sheikhs, who have also expressed their dissatisfaction with the Oslo Accords, stating they led to the creation of a "corrupt Palestinian Authority instead of recognizing the traditional authentic local leadership." The Oslo Accords, signed in 1993 and 1995, saw Israel agree to the creation of an official Palestinian government to manage the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and began withdrawing forces from the Palestinian autonomy.
The sheikhs' proposal includes gradual restoration of Palestinian employment in Israel and a request to join the Abraham Accords, with the condition that Israel recognizes the Emirate of Hebron as the representative of the Arab residents in the area. However, Israeli security agencies, including the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet, or Shabak) and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), have expressed opposition to the plan.
The IDF, in particular, has expressed concerns about the potential for the situation in other cities on the West Bank to spiral out of control and lead to potential violence. Retired Major General Gadi Shamni, who headed the Central Command of the IDF from 2007 to 2009, has expressed concern about dealing with dozens of different families, each with weapons and control in the West Bank.
Orientalist Mordechai Kedar of Bar-Ilan University believes that clans in Hebron have a special influence and that Hebron will be the test case for the idea of creating an emirate. Al-Jabari himself has stated, "We want cooperation with Israel. We want coexistence."
As the situation unfolds, it is crucial to monitor credible developments regarding this proposed emirate in Hebron. If further information emerges on this topic, we will keep you updated.
The sheikhs' proposal for an emirate in Hebron, advocating gradual restoration of Palestinian employment in Israel and joining the Abraham Accords, has stirred up debates in the realm of politics and general-news, given its potential impact on the current political landscape of the West Bank and Israel's security.
This proposed emirate, if accepted, could lead to a significant shift in the power dynamics, with Al-Jabari aiming for cooperation and coexistence with Israel, rather than perpetuating the ongoing conflict.
