Israel says it has assumed planning and construction authority at the Ibrahimi Mosque in the occupied West Bank, a move Palestinians and officials say undermines long-standing agreements governing Hebron.

Israel has seized planning and construction powers at the Ibrahimi Mosque in the occupied West Bank from Palestinian authorities, according to Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who said the decision effectively ends parts of a 1997 agreement governing the city.

Smotrich said Israel had “cancelled the Hebron agreements” during an event in the southern West Bank, claiming the move transferred authority over planning matters at the site.

The Palestinian Authority condemned the decision, calling it unlawful and a violation of signed agreements.

It urged international intervention, saying the move amounted to a dangerous escalation.

Hebron Mayor Yusuf al-Jabari also said that any unilateral changes to the governing framework of the city would represent a serious breach of existing arrangements.

However, Israel’s Foreign Ministry disputed Smotrich’s statement, saying the Hebron Agreement had not been cancelled.

It said changes applied only to planning and construction authority at Jewish settlement and heritage sites, citing a lack of cooperation from local authorities.

The 1997 Hebron Agreement divided the city into two administrative and security zones, with Israel retaining security control over parts of the city while civil authority, including planning and construction, remained with Palestinian officials in other areas.

The Ibrahimi Mosque, also known as the Cave of the Patriarchs, is a site of religious significance and has long been a focal point of tension in Hebron.