Draft:Emirate of Hebron
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Emirate of Hebron إمارة الخليل | |
|---|---|
| Motto: "Under construction" | |
| Anthem: "Under construction" | |
 Location of the proposed Emirate of Hebron in the West Bank | |
| Capital and largest city | Hebron |
| Official languages | Arabic |
| Demonym(s) | Hebronite |
| Government | Traditional tribal emirate |
• Emir | Wadee al-Jaabari |
| Legislature | Hebron Tribal Council |
| Establishment | Unrecognized |
• Declaration of intent to secede from the Palestinian National Authority | March 24, 2025 |
| Area | |
• Total | 74 km2 (29 sq mi) |
| Population | |
• 2024 estimate | 201,000 |
• Density | 2,716.2/km2 (7,034.9/sq mi) |
| Currency | Israeli new shekel (provisional) |
| Time zone | UTC+02:00 |
| Calling code | +970 |
| Internet TLD | ? (proposed) |
The Emirate of Hebron (Arabic: إمارة الخليل) is a proposed political entity by tribal sheikhs from the city of Hebron, located in the southern West Bank. The plan envisions an autonomous emirate, independent from the Palestinian National Authority, that would officially recognize the State of Israel and seek accession to the Abraham Accords.
History
[edit]On March 24, 2025,[citation needed] five tribal sheikhs from Hebron sent a letter to Israel’s Minister of Economy, Nir Barkat, proposing the creation of an autonomous "Emirate of Hebron," separate from the Palestinian National Authority. The letter was revealed on July 6, 2025 by The Wall Street Journal and confirmed by Israeli and international sources.[1][2]
The proposal included:[2]
- establishment of the Emirate of Hebron as an autonomous Arab entity
- recognition of the State of Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people
- replacement of the Oslo Accords with a new political and economic framework
- accession to the Abraham Accords
- a pilot program of 1,000 Hebronite workers in Israel, with later expansion to 50,000
- a zero-tolerance policy toward terrorism
Minister Nir Barkat confirmed he had met with the sheikhs more than a dozen times since February 2025, with the knowledge of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.[citation needed]
Geography
[edit]Hebron is located about 30 km south of Jerusalem, in the West Bank. The city is divided into two administrative zones under the Oslo Accords:
- H1: under control of the Palestinian National Authority
- H2: under control of the Israel Defense Forces
The proposed emirate would cover an estimated area of 74 km².
Population
[edit]In 2024, Hebron had an estimated population of 201,000, mostly Muslims. The H2 zone also houses around 800 Israeli settlers, mainly near the Cave of the Patriarchs.
Government and Politics
[edit]The proposed system is a tribal emirate, with Sheikh Wadee al-Jaabari as Emir. Governance would be conducted by a council of tribal elders, replacing the Palestinian National Authority, which the letter described as corrupt and illegitimate.
The sheikhs claim to represent an authentic historical leadership predating the Oslo Accords.[2]
Foreign Relations
[edit]The Emirate seeks:[2]
- Recognition by the State of Israel
- Participation in the Abraham Accords
- Economic and security cooperation with Israel
- International recognition by Arab and Western countries
Economy
[edit]The initial economic plan includes:
- 1,000 work permits for Hebron residents, with expansion to 50,000
- Focus on traditional sectors:
- Marble, ceramics, and footwear
- Agriculture (grapes, figs, olives)
- Religious and cultural tourism
Culture and Religion
[edit]Hebron is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and holds great religious significance. It is home to the Cave of the Patriarchs, a sacred site for Jews, Muslims, and Christians. The proposal emphasizes the preservation of cultural heritage and interfaith coexistence.
Criticism
[edit]The proposal was met with skepticism and opposition:
- Palestinian residents and political leaders in Hebron denounced the initiative, claiming the sheikhs lack legitimacy
- The Palestinian National Authority has not officially responded, but analysts predict strong opposition
- Critics argue the plan fragments the palestinian cause and may serve Israeli political interests
See also
[edit]- Hebron
- Palestinian National Authority
- Wadee al-Jaabari
- Abraham Accords
- Oslo Accords
- West Bank
- State of Israel
- Cave of the Patriarchs
References
[edit]- ^ The unusual letter from the sheikhs of Hebron: Recognize the 'Emirate of Hebron' and we will recognize Israel, ynet Global, 6 July 2025.
- ^ a b c d Top West Bank sheiks propose recognizing the state of Israel, leaving Palestinian Authority, New York Post, 6 July 2025
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