Dramatic Shift in Chevron: Control of Ma’aras HaMachpelah Transferred from the PA to Kiryat Arba Council
In a historic and unprecedented move, a major change to the long-standing status quo at Ma’aras HaMachpelah has been approved: control over key aspects of the site is being transferred from the Palestinian-run Hebron Municipality to the Kiryat Arba / Hebron Religious Council, under the authority of Israel’s Civil Administration. The move, intended to enable long-delayed structural improvements, marks the first major administrative shift at the site since the 1994 Shamgar Commission rulings • Full Story
For years, the Civil Administration has pushed to implement significant changes at the holy site. These include replacing the roofing and constructing a permanent canopy over the “Yaakov Courtyard,” where Jews pray for 90% of the year. Due to the division of the site between Jewish and Muslims, Jewish visitors have had to pray for decades exposed to sun and rain, with only a partial and temporary covering overhead.
This move is not limited to roofing. The Administration also plans to install a modern fire safety system—despite Arab objections—even though it poses a direct risk to human life. Until now, in emergency situations, Israeli authorities had to obtain the security camera keys from the Muslim Waqf, which held functional control over much of the site.
In a dramatic meeting led by Israel’s Minister of Defense this past Monday, following months of staff work by the Civil Administration, a legal barrier preventing the transfer of authority was resolved. As a result, responsibility for the site will now fall under the jurisdiction of the Kiryat Arba Religious Council—marking the first time that control has shifted from the Hebron Municipality and Muslim Waqf to a Jewish local authority.
“The Cave of the Patriarchs has been listed in the Jewish people’s deed of ownership since the Book of Genesis,” said Shai Glick, CEO of the “B’Tsalmo” human rights organization, which has been advocating for the change for years. “Unfortunately, due to a misguided decision by Moshe Dayan, the site remained under Waqf control and only managed by the military. I welcome this historic move. Like any other holy Jewish site in Israel, the cave should be under religious council oversight. After accessibility improvements, it’s time the Cave be dignified—with proper roofing, air conditioning, restrooms, and more. It’s time for sovereignty.”
Some upgrades have already taken effect. On Sunday, newly constructed restrooms opened for public use at the base of the structure—an essential improvement long requested by Jewish residents and visitors. Previously, visitors had to walk a considerable distance and descend stairs to reach facilities far from the main prayer area.
The change is expected to significantly enhance conditions for the hundreds of thousands of visitors to the Cave each year.
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