Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has removed the Waqf (Islamic trust) from the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron, transferring full control to Jewish hands, according to Israeli media. The move represents a significant change in the status quo at the contested site, which has long operated under a division of administration between Jewish and Muslim authorities. No official confirmation from the Israeli government or the Waqf has been issued.
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has reportedly removed the Waqf (Islamic trust) from the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron, effectively transferring full administrative control of the site to Jewish authorities. The report, from Israeli media outlet News 14, describes the development as a 'drama' and claims that 'control has returned to Jewish hands.'
The Cave of the Patriarchs, located in Hebron, is one of the holiest sites in Judaism and is also revered in Islam. For decades, it has operated under a delicate status quo arrangement: Jewish and Muslim worshippers use separate prayer areas, and the Waqf has managed Muslim-related affairs while the Israeli military and civilian authorities oversee security and Jewish access. Ben Gvir, a far-right politician known for advocating expanded Israeli sovereignty over contested religious sites, has long pushed for greater Israeli control over the site.
The move follows a broader pattern of increased Israeli assertiveness regarding holy sites managed by the Waqf. As The Zioneer has previously reported, the Israel Police and other authorities have taken steps in recent months to limit Waqf operations on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, including clearing Waqf offices and cutting coordination ties. While the Cave of the Patriarchs is a separate location, the actions share a common theme of challenging the established religious trust management.
No official statement from the Israeli government, the Defense Ministry, or the Waqf has been released confirming or denying the report. Details remain unclear, including the exact timing of the removal, how it was carried out, and whether the Waqf personnel were physically evicted or their role was simply terminated by decree. The report originates from a single source and should be treated as an unverified development until further confirmation emerges.
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