In a surprising development reported by The Wall Street Journal, a group of five senior tribal sheikhs from Hebron have expressed their desire to join the Abraham Accords and establish a new political order independent from the Palestinian Authority (PA).

The initiative would see them recognize Israel as a Jewish state and serve as the primary civil and security authority for Arab residents in the Hebron district.

“We want cooperation with Israel,” said Sheikh Wadi al-Jaabari, the most senior of the group. “We seek coexistence.”

The five leaders, including Sheikh al-Jaabari, have signed a letter addressed to Israel’s Minister of Economy, Nir Barkat, outlining their proposal. The document pledges peace, full recognition of Israel, and the creation of an autonomous Hebron Emirate that would replace the PA’s presence in the area.

*The sheikhs call for official negotiations to replace the Oslo Accords, which they denounce as a historic failure that brought “corruption, economic collapse, and bloodshed.”

A Parallel Track to Peace

The letter emphasizes their intent to establish a locally led tribal leadership rooted in Hebron’s traditional clans, which they argue is more authentic and accountable than the current PA structure.

“The Hebron Emirate will recognize the State of Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people,” the letter reads. “In return, Israel will recognize the Emirate of Hebron as the representative body for Arab residents in the Hebron region.”

The initiative has been quietly in the works for months, involving on-the-ground efforts by JFeed reporter Yair Kleinbaum, who met with key Palestinian figures in the Hebron district. He was joined by prominent figures including Yitzchak Magrafta, Mordechai Kedar, Oded Nir, and Zvi Misinai.

Since February, Sheikh al-Jaabari and his allies have met with Barkat more than ten times, including private discussions at Barkat’s home.

The sheikhs are now requesting that Barkat deliver their message directly to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and are awaiting a formal reply.

Economic Incentives and Security Guarantees

The sheikhs’ plan includes a pilot program for the entry of 1,000 Hebron-area workers into Israel, with a phased increase to 5,000, and eventually up to 50,000, according to promises they say Barkat conveyed.

In contrast to current arrangements under the PA, they vow "zero tolerance for terrorism by workers" and explicitly reject the PA’s "martyr payment" system.

“Unlike today’s reality—where the Palestinian Authority rewards terrorists—we will enforce a policy of absolute nonviolence,” the letter states.

The proposal underscores the economic importance of Israeli employment to West Bank Palestinians, particularly amid post-October 7 restrictions, when work permits were frozen for thousands.

Barkat’s engagement with the sheikhs is known to the Israeli government, and Prime Minister Netanyahu is said to be cautiously supportive, though waiting to assess how the plan evolves publicly.

Settler Leadership Involved

The letter also references ongoing dialogue with Yossi Dagan, a senior leader among West Bank settlers and head of the Samaria Regional Council. Dagan confirmed his involvement, stating he has collaborated with the Hebron sheikhs on the proposal and first met Sheikh al-Jaabari over 13 years ago.

“His father was a brave leader who prioritized his people - and so does the son,” Dagan said.
Settler leaders are reportedly optimistic about the plan, viewing it as an opportunity to build local alliances with Arab tribes that reject the PA and Hamas.

A Strategic Shift?

If taken seriously, the proposal could signal a profound geopolitical shift: a grassroots tribal-led Palestinian entity aligning with Israel and bypassing traditional nationalist leadership

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