The Israeli security cabinet has approved sweeping changes that increase Israeli control over the West Bank, including areas managed by Palestinians. Hebron mayor Asma al-Sharabati said the moves shut Palestinians out of urban planning and development decisions. Hebron, a divided city with Israeli settlers and Palestinian residents, is at the heart of this tension. The new rules extend Israeli authority beyond military occupation into civilian services and heritage site management, such as the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron. Palestinian activist Issa Amro called the changes "annexation of the land without me, as a Palestinian." Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said these measures deepen Israeli roots and "bury the idea of a Palestinian state." Palestinians fear these steps demolish decades-old agreements and greatly weaken the Palestinian Authority's power. Hebron's mayor stated, "We are living the ugly truth that we are not protected." Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas urged the US for a strong response, while the UK condemned Israel's move, calling it a "terrible, terrible mistake." This expansion of Israeli control in the West Bank occurs amid ongoing conflict in Gaza and may impact broader Middle East peace efforts.