The idea of a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians has never seemed more futile than in the months since Oct. 7, 2023. But maybe that opens the door to a new way of achieving peace.
“We want cooperation with Israel,” says Sheikh Wadee’ al-Jaabari, also known as Abu Sanad, from his ceremonial tent in Hebron, the West Bank’s largest city located south of Jerusalem. “We want coexistence.” The leader of Hebron’s most influential clan has said such things before, as did his father. But this time is different. Sheikh Jaabari and four other leading Hebron sheikhs have signed a letter pledging peace and full recognition of Israel as a Jewish state. Their plan is for Hebron to break out of the Palestinian Authority, establish an emirate of its own, and join the Abraham Accords.
From JPost – ‘Post’ just met with top Hebron Sheikh who wants to pull out of PA
The South Hebron Hills seem ancient and as unchanging as ever, but massive change may be in the wind.
In the aftermath of the Wall Street Journal’s blockbuster disclosure early Sunday morning that half a dozen major Palestinian sheikhs from the Hebron area, all led by Sheikh Wadee’ al-Jaabari (also known as Abu Sanad), are ready to break off from the Palestinian Authority and sign a new Abraham Accords-style deal with Israel as the “Emirates of Hebron,” The Jerusalem Post can now disclose having recently met with Jabari at his ceremonial tent.
Lots going on in the comments, caution being first among equals.
BREAKING: “The Emirate of Hebron shall recognize the State of Israel as the nation state of the Jewish people,” write five Hebron sheikhs, backed by 16 more.
This unveils a peace initiative they’ve been working on with Israel’s Nir Barkat since February, meeting at his home. pic.twitter.com/h4bdpb1APP
— Elliot Kaufman (@ElliotKaufman6) July 6, 2025
Related?
A widespread internet blackout hit Iran on Saturday night, disrupting global access for millions once more, the first such shutdown since mass outages across the country during the conflict with Israel. https://t.co/zRatvVyygW
— Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) July 6, 2025
h/t Patti Jo
