Protocol Concerning the

Redeployment in Hebron

Main Points*

January 17, 1997

Background

As part of the current peace process, Israel and the PLO signed, on September 28, 1995, the Interim Agreement on the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. This Agreement sets out the arrangements to apply in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip throughout the interim period, pending implementation of the permanent status arrangements. With regard to Hebron, Article VII of the Security Annex to the Agreement sets out guidelines for a redeployment of Israeli forces in the city of Hebron and a transfer of civil powers and responsibilities in the city to the Palestinian Council.

For the purpose of the redeployment, Hebron is divided into two areas: Area H - 1, in which the majority of the Palestinian population resides, and in which the Palestinian police will be responsible for internal security and public order, and Area H - 2, a smaller area comprising all the Israeli residents of Hebron together with some 20,000 Palestinians, in which all responsibilities for security and public order will remain with Israel. Civil powers and responsibilites in both areas will be transferred to the Palestinian side.

The Interim Agreement provided that the redeployment should be completed within six months of the signing of the agreement. However, a series of terrorist attacks delayed the implementation of the redeployment while a tense security situation highlighted the difficulties that could arise in this unique case where Palestinians and Israelis live in close proximity. Following the May 1996 elections in Israel and the establishment of the new government, the two sides entered into negotiations for the implementaton of the Hebron provisions of the Interim Agreement, while providing security and reducing friction.

On January 15, 1997 a Protocol concerning the Redeployment in Hebron was initialed, setting out agreed arrangements for the implementation of the redeployment provisions of the Interim Agreement. The Protocol was signed on January 17, 1997.

The main provisions of the Protocol are as follows:

Security Aspects

Redeployment: The redeployment of Israeli military forces is to be carried out within 10 days from the signing of the Protocol.

Security powers and responsibilities: The responsibility for internal security and public order in Area H- 1 will be Palestinian; in Area H - 2 it will be Israeli. In addition, Israel will

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