Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Beastly Boy

(12,994 posts)
Sun Jul 6, 2025, 09:56 AM Jul 6

The unusual letter from the sheikhs of Hebron: Recognize the 'Emirate of Hebron' and we will recognize Israel

The Wall Street Journal on Sunday revealed a letter sent by the most influential tribal leader in the city, which calls for cooperation with Israel. “We want coexistence,” said from his tent Sheikh Wadee al-Jaabari, "Abu Sanad."

Al-Jaabari has previously expressed support for coexistence, as did his father—but this time it’s different. He and four other sheikhs from Hebron signed a letter calling for peace and for recognizing Israel as a Jewish state. According to the letter, their goal is for Hebron to secede from the Palestinian Authority, establish its own emirate, and join the Abraham Accords.

The letter was sent to Economy Minister Nir Barkat, who met at his home with al-Jaabari and the other sheikhs; he has held more than 12 meetings with them since February. They asked him to forward the letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and are now waiting for his response.

In the letter, the sheikhs wrote that “The Emirate of Hebron shall recognize the State of Israel as the nation state of the Jewish people and the State of Israel shall recognize the Emirate of Hebron as the Representative of the Arab residents in the Hebron District.” Recognizing Israel as a Jewish state is something the Palestinian Authority has never done.
https://www.ynetnews.com/article/b11n2tvsgg

6 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
The unusual letter from the sheikhs of Hebron: Recognize the 'Emirate of Hebron' and we will recognize Israel (Original Post) Beastly Boy Jul 6 OP
Some have no problem recognizing Israel as a Jewish state, which is how it was created by the UN, and lostincalifornia Jul 6 #1
'Doesn't Represent Us': Hebron Residents Reject Local Plan to Establish Emirate, Recognize Israel David__77 Jul 6 #2
Of course, we should've seen that one coming. nt Exp Jul 6 #3
Also from your source: Beastly Boy Jul 6 #5
YNet News looks like propaganda. And nothing about "Israel army bulldozers plough through homes at West Bank camps" Exp Jul 6 #4
Wonder no more. Beastly Boy Jul 6 #6

lostincalifornia

(3,845 posts)
1. Some have no problem recognizing Israel as a Jewish state, which is how it was created by the UN, and
Sun Jul 6, 2025, 11:20 AM
Jul 6

the British Mandate before that.

David__77

(24,298 posts)
2. 'Doesn't Represent Us': Hebron Residents Reject Local Plan to Establish Emirate, Recognize Israel
Sun Jul 6, 2025, 11:39 AM
Jul 6



"These statements in no way represent the position of our respected family and do not reflect the will of its members," the statement read. "The al-Jaabari family has always been – and remains – part of the Palestinian national fabric, justly struggling for freedom and independence. We reject all attempts to normalize the occupation or grant it legitimacy."

The letter further emphasized that "anyone who chooses to side with the occupation and supports efforts to erase Palestinian identity speaks only for themselves and has no legitimacy to speak on behalf of the family."

Family members told Haaretz that the portrayal of Wadee' al-Jaabari as a central figure in Hebron is misleading.

"Wadee' is known for his ties to settlers and Israeli institutions, which primarily serve his personal and business interests," they said.



https://archive.is/NMqjy

Beastly Boy

(12,994 posts)
5. Also from your source:
Sun Jul 6, 2025, 03:13 PM
Jul 6

"The letter's publication and the widespread rejection it received have reignited internal tensions between Palestinian Authority supporters in the West Bank and movements pushing for a more localized, tribal agenda – sometimes inspired by Gulf-style political models. The open question is whether this initiative will quickly fade or gain momentum amid the PA's mounting weakness in the West Bank and the chaos in Gaza."

If Haaretz says it's an open question, maybe there is something they know.

Exp

(439 posts)
4. YNet News looks like propaganda. And nothing about "Israel army bulldozers plough through homes at West Bank camps"
Sun Jul 6, 2025, 12:15 PM
Jul 6

to be found at the YNet site.. huh..I wonder why!

Beastly Boy

(12,994 posts)
6. Wonder no more.
Sun Jul 6, 2025, 03:15 PM
Jul 6

Democracynow and Commondreams cornered that market. Too much competition there.

Latest Discussions»Issue Forums»Israel/Palestine»The unusual letter from t...