Hebron
Hebron is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities and a central pillar of Jewish history, home to the Tomb of the Patriarchs. Located in Judea, it remains a focal point of Israeli security operations and civil-military administration due to its unique status under the 1997 Hebron Protocol and its deep religious significance.
Hebron (Chevron) holds a singular place in the Jewish consciousness as the first capital of King David and the burial site of the biblical Patriarchs and Matriarchs. The city is divided into two sectors under the 1997 Hebron Protocol: H1, under Palestinian Authority control, and H2, where Israel maintains security and civil authority to protect the local Jewish community and visitors to the holy sites. This administrative complexity often leads to friction, requiring a constant IDF presence through the Judea Brigade.
In recent months, the city has seen significant shifts in its administrative landscape. In July 2026, the Israeli government moved to assert greater sovereignty over the Tomb of the Patriarchs by transferring planning powers from the Hebron municipality to Israeli authorities. This enabled the commencement of long-stalled infrastructure projects, including a massive renovation and the installation of a permanent roof over the prayer plaza. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich characterized the move as a vital step in strengthening the Jewish hold on the site, which had been hindered for over 20 years by municipal and legal barriers.
Beyond the city center, the South Hebron Hills region remains a high-friction zone. Security forces frequently operate in the area to dismantle terror cells and manage incidents of civilian friction. Recent reports have highlighted arson attacks and clashes involving both local Palestinian residents and Israeli civilians, particularly in areas like Khirbet Tuba. The IDF continues to conduct counter-terror operations in the city's neighborhoods, such as Jabal al-Jaber and the nearby al-Fawwar, to prevent the escalation of violence and ensure the safety of the region's residents.