Israel Says Palestinians Stripped of Authority Over Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron

What happened

Middle East Eye Gaza reports that Israel's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced Palestinians have been stripped of administrative authority over the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron, a significant alteration of control in this contested area of the occupied West Bank.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. Smotrich described the move as more than a planning adjustment, calling it "a step of practical sovereignty, of governance," and noted that many powers formerly granted to the Hebron Municipality or related authorities regarding the mosque and surrounding areas are now removed.

This announcement comes during a ceremony for a new Israeli settlement foundation near Hebron, underscoring ongoing settlement expansion affecting the Old City and intensifying Israeli control over key religious sites.

Known from the source

• Bezalel Smotrich, Israel's Finance Minister, said Palestinians lost administrative authority over the Ibrahimi Mosque.
• The mosque is located in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron.
• The decision removes many authorities previously held by the Hebron Municipality or Palestinian administration at the mosque and holy sites.
• Smotrich described the move as a step of "practical sovereignty, of governance."
• The announcement was made during a foundation stone laying ceremony for a new Israeli settlement near Hebron.

What remains unclear

Israel has progressively tightened control over the Ibrahimi Mosque and much of Hebron’s Old City in recent decades, including closures and restrictions that heavily impact Palestinian daily life and access to the site, deepening local grievances and fueling instability.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Independent confirmation of the administrative authority shift over the Ibrahimi Mosque beyond the statement by Smotrich. Verification of specific changes to Palestinian governance or responsibilities at the mosque and surrounding areas. Details on the new Israeli settlement near Hebron referenced by Smotrich, including location and status.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: Middle East Eye Gaza. Open the source.