Overview

• On July 6, five self-styled Hebron sheikhs sent Economy Minister Nir Barkat a letter proposing an independent emirate that would recognize Israel and join the Abraham Accords
• Their proposal outlines an initial 1,000-worker Israeli–West Bank industrial zone with a zero-tolerance policy on terrorism to spur economic growth
• The Israeli government has not issued any official response to the letter, leaving the initiative’s future uncertain
• Hebron activists and residents, led by Issa Amro, have denounced the purported sheikhs for lacking genuine political standing or community support
• Members of the extended Jaabari family publicly rejected the plan, stating it does not reflect their views or represent Hebron’s Palestinian population