Protocol Concerning the Redeployment in Hebron
January 17, 1997
In accordance with the provisions of the Interim Agreement and in
particular of Article VII of Annex I to the Interim Agreement, both
Parties have agreed on this Protocol for the implementation of the
redeployment in Hebron.
Security Arrangements Regarding Redeployment in Hebron
- Redeployment in Hebron
The redeployment of Israeli Military Forces in Hebron will be
carried out in accordance with the Interim Agreement and this
Protocol. This redeployment will be completed not later than ten
days from the signing of this Protocol. During these ten days
both sides will exert every possible effort to prevent friction
and any action that would prevent the redeployment. This
redeployment shall constitute full implementation of the
provisions of the Interim Agreement with regard to the City of
Hebron unless otherwise provided for in Article VII of Annex I to
the Interim Agreement.
- Security Powers and Responsibilities
- The Palestinian Police will assume responsibilities in
Area H-1 similar to those in other cities in the West
Bank; and
- Israel will retain all powers and responsibilities for
internal security and public order in Area H-2. In
addition, Israel will continue to carry the responsibility
for overall security of Israelis.
- In this context - both sides reaffirm their commitment to
honor the relevant security provisions of the Interim
Agreement, including the provisions regarding - Arrangements
for Security and Public Order (Article XII of the Interim
Agreement); Prevention of Hostile Acts (Article XV of the
Interim Agreement); Security Policy for the Prevention of
Terrorism and Violence (Article II of Annex I to the Interim
Agreement); Guidelines for Hebron (Article VII of Annex I to
the Interim Agreement); and Rules of Conduct in Mutual
Security Matters (Article XI of Annex I to the Interim
Agreement).
- Agreed Security Arrangements
- With a view to ensuring mutual security and stability in the
City of Hebron, special security arrangements will apply
adjacent to the areas under the security responsibility of
Israel, in Area H-1, in the area between the Palestinian
Police checkpoints delineated on the map attached to this
Protocol as Appendix 1 (hereinafter referred to as "the
attached map") and the areas under the security responsibility
of Israel.
- The purpose of the abovementioned checkpoints will be to
enable the Palestinian Police, exercising their
responsibilities under the Interim Agreement, to prevent entry
of armed persons and demonstrators or other people threatening
security and public order, into the abovementioned area.
- Joint Security Measures
- The DCO will establish a sub-office in the City of Hebron as
indicated on the attached map.
- JMU will operate in Area H-2 to handle incidents that involve
Palestinians only. The JMU movement will be detailed on the
attached map. The DCO will coordinate the JMU movement and
activity.
- As part of the security arrangements in the area adjacent to
the areas under the security responsibility of Israel, as
defined above, Joint Mobile Units will be operating in this
area, with special focus on the following places:
- Abu Sneinah
- Harat A-Sheikh
- Sha'aba
- The high ground overlooking new Route No. 35.
- Two Joint Patrols will function in Area H-1:
- a Joint Patrol which will operate on the road from Ras
e-Jura to the north of the Dura junction via E-Salaam
Road, as indicated on the attached map; and
- a Joint Patrol which will operate on existing Route No.
35, including the eastern part of existing Route No.
35, as indicated on the attached map.
- The Palestinian and Israeli side of the Joint Mobile Units in
the City of Hebron will be armed with equivalent types of
weapons (Mini-Ingraham submachine guns for the Palestinian
side and short M16s for the Israeli side).
- With a view to dealing with the special security situation in
the City of Hebron, a Joint Coordination Center (hereinafter
the "JCC") headed by senior officers of both sides, will be
established in the DCO at Har Manoah/Jabel Manoah. The purpose
of the JCC will be to coordinate the joint security measures
in the City of Hebron. The JCC will be guided by all the
relevant provisions of the Interim Agreement, including Annex
I and this Protocol. In this context, each side will notify
the JCC of demonstrations and actions taken in respect of such
demonstrations, and of any security activity, close to the
areas under the responsibility of the other side, including in
the area defined in Article 3(a) above. The JCC shall be
informed of activities in accordance with Article 5(d)(3) of
this Protocol.
- The Palestinian Police
- Palestinian police stations or posts will be established in
Area H-1, manned by a total of up to 400 policemen, equipped
with 20 vehicles and armed with 200 pistols, and 100 rifles
for the protection of the police stations.
- Four designated Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) will be
established and stationed in Area H-1, one in each of the
police stations, as delineated on the attached map. The main
task of the RRTs will be to handle special security cases.
Each RRT shall be comprised of up to 16 members.
- The above mentioned rifles will be designated for the exclusive
use of the RRTs, to handle special cases.
- The Palestinian Police shall operate freely in Area
H-1.
- Activities of the RRTs armed with rifles in the Agreed
Adjacent Area, as defined in Appendix 2, shall require the
agreement of the JCC.
- The RRTs will use the rifles in the rest of Area H-1 to
fulfil their above mentioned tasks.
- The Palestinian Police will ensure that all Palestinian
policemen, prior to their deployment in the City of Hebron,
will pass a security check in order to verify their
suitability for service, taking into account the sensitivity
of the area.
- Holy Sites
- Paragraphs 2 and 3(a) of Article 32 of Appendix 1 to Annex III
of the Interim Agreement will be applicable to the following
Holy Sites in Area H-1:
- The Cave of Othniel Ben Knaz/El-Khalil;
- Elonei Mamre/Haram Er-Rameh;
- Eshel Avraham/Balotat Ibrahim; and
- Maayan Sarah/Ein Sarah.
- The Palestinian Police will be responsible for the protection
of the above Jewish Holy Sites. Without derogating from the
above responsibility of the Palestinian Police, visits to the
above Holy Sites by worshippers or other visitors shall be
accompanied by a Joint Mobile Unit, which will ensure free, unimpeded and secure access to the Holy Sites, as well as
their peaceful use.
- Normalization of Life in the Old City
- Both sides reiterate their commitment to maintain normal life
throughout the City of Hebron and to prevent any provocation
or friction that may affect the normal life in the city.
- In this context, both sides are committed to take all steps
and measures necessary for the normalization of life in
Hebron, including:
- The wholesale market - Hasbahe - will be opened as a
retail market in which goods will be sold directly to
consumers from within the existing shops.
- The movement of vehicles on the Shuhada Road will be
gradually returned, within 4 months, to the same situation
which existed prior to February 1994.
- The Imara
The Imara will be turned over to the Palestinian side upon the
completion of the redeployment and will become the headquarters
of the Palestinian Police in the City of Hebron.
- City of Hebron
Both sides reiterate their commitment to the unity of the City of
Hebron, and their understanding that the division of security
responsibility will not divide the city. In this context, and
without derogating from the security powers and responsibilities
of either side, both sides share the mutual goal that movement of
people, goods and vehicles within and in and out of the city will
be smooth and normal, without obstacles or barriers.
Civil Arrangements Regarding the Redeployment in Hebron
- Transfer of Civil Powers and Responsibilities
- The transfer of civil powers and responsibilities that have
yet to be transferred to the Palestinian side in the city of
Hebron (12 spheres) in accordance with Article VII of Annex I
to the Interim Agreement shall be conducted concurrently with
the beginning of the redeployment of Israeli military forces
in Hebron.
- In Area H-2, the civil powers and responsibilities will be
transferred to the Palestinian side, except for those relating
to Israelis and their property, which shall continue to be
exercised by the Israeli Military Government.
- Planning, Zoning and Building
- The two parties are equally committed to preserve and protect
the historic character of the city in a way which does not
harm or change that character in any part of the city.
- The Palestinian side has informed the Israeli side that in
exercising its powers and responsibilities, taking into
account the existing municipal regulations, it has undertaken
to implement the following provisions:
- Proposed construction of buildings above two floors (6
meters) within 50 meters of the external boundaries of the
locations specified in the list attached to this Protocol
as Appendix 3 (hereinafter referred to as "the attached
list") will be coordinated through the DCL.
- Proposed construction of buildings above three floors (9
meters) between 50 and 100 meters of the external
boundaries of the locations specified in the attached list
will be coordinated through the DCL.
- Proposed construction of non-residential, non-commercial
buildings within 100 meters of the external boundaries of
the locations specified in the attached list that are
designed for uses that may adversely affect the
environment (such as industrial factories) or buildings
and institutions in which more that 50 persons are
expected to gather together will be coordinated through
the DCL.
- Proposed construction of buildings above two floors (6
meters) within 50 meters from each side of the road
specified in the attached list will be coordinated through
the DCL.
- The necessary enforcement measures will be taken to ensure
compliance on the ground with the preceding provisions.
- This Article does not apply to existing buildings or to
new construction or renovation for which fully approved
permits were issued by the Municipality prior to January 15th, 1997.
- Infrastructure
- The Palestinian side shall inform the Israeli side,
through the DCL, 48 hours in advance of any anticipated
activity regarding infrastructure which may disturb the
regular flow of traffic on roads in Area H-2 or which may
affect infrastructure (such as water, sewage, electricity and
communications) serving Area H-2.
- The Israeli side may request, through the DCL, that the
Municipality carry out works regarding the roads or other
infrastructure required for the well being of the Israelis in
Area H-2. If the Israeli side offers to cover the costs of
these works, the Palestinian side will ensure that these works
are carried out as a top priority.
- The above does not prejudice the provisions of the Interim
Agreement regarding the access to infrastructure, facilities
and installations located in the city of Hebron, such as the
electricity grid.
- Transportation
The Palestinian side shall have the power to determine bus stops,
traffic arrangements and traffic signalization in the city of
Hebron. Traffic signalization, traffic arrangements and the
location of bus stops in Area H-2 will remain as they are on the
date of the redeployment in Hebron. Any subsequent change in
these arrangements in Area H-2 will be done in cooperation
between the two sides in the transportation sub-committee.
- Municipal Inspectors
- In accordance with paragraph 4.c of Article VII of Annex I of
the Interim Agreement, plainclothes unarmed municipal
inspectors will operate in Area H-2. The number of these
inspectors shall not exceed 50.
- The inspectors shall carry official identification cards with
a photograph issued by the Municipality.
- The Palestinian side may request the assistance of the Israel
Police, through the DCL of Hebron, in order to carry out its
enforcement activities in Area H-2.
- Location of Offices of the Palestinian Council
The Palestinian side, when operating new offices in Area H-2,
will take into consideration the need to avoid provocation and
friction. Where establishing such offices might affect public
order or security the two sides will cooperate to find a suitable
solution.
- Municipal Services
In accordance with paragraph 5 of Article VII of Annex I of the
Interim Agreement, municipal services shall be provided regularly
and continuously to all parts of the city of Hebron, at the same
quality and cost. The cost shall be determined by the Palestinian
side with respect to work done and materials consumed, without
discrimination.
Miscellaneous
- Temporary International Presence
There will be a Temporary International Presence in Hebron
(TIPH). Both sides will agree on the modalities of the TIPH,
including the number of its members and its area of operation.
- Annex I
Nothing in this Protocol will derogate from the security powers
and responsibilities of either side in accordance with Annex I to
the Interim Agreement.
- Attached Appendices
The appendices attached to this Protocol shall constitute an
integral part hereof.
Done at Jerusalem, this 17th day of January
1997.
D. Shomrom
_____________________
For the Government of the State of Israel
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S. Erakat
_____________________
For the PLO
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Appendix 1
Appendix 2
(Article 5)
Agreed Adjacent Area
The Agreed Adjacent Area ("AAA") shall include the following:
- An area defined by a line commencing from AAA Reference Point
(RP) 100, proceeding along old Route No. 35 until RP 101,
continuing by a straight line to RP 102, and from there connected
by a straight line to RP 103.
- An area defined by a line commencing at RP 104, following a
straight line to RP 105, from there following a line immediately
westward of checkpoints 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13, and
from there connected by a straight line to RP 106.
- An area defined by a line connecting RPs 107 and 108, passing
immediately northward of checkpoint 15.
Appendix 3
(Article 12)
List of Locations
The area of Al Haram Al Ibrahimi/the Tomb of the Patriarchs
(including the military and police installations in its vicinity)
Al Hisba/Abraham Avinu
Osama School/Beit Romano (including the military location in its vicinity)
Al Daboya/Beit Hadasseh
Jabla Al Rahama/Tel Rumeida
The Jewish Cemeteries
Dir Al Arbein/the Tomb of Ruth and Yishai
Tel Al Jaabra/Givaat Avot Neighborhood (including the police
station in its vicinity)
The Road connecting Al Haram Al Ibrahimi/the Tomb of the Patriarchs and Qiryat Arba
NOTE FOR THE RECORD
The two leaders met on January 15, 1997, in the presence of the U.S.
Special Middle East Coordinator. They requested him to prepare this
Note for the Record to summarize what they agreed upon at their
meeting.
Mutual Undertakings
The two leaders agreed that the Oslo peace process must move forward
to succeed. Both parties to the Interim Agreement have concerns and
obligations. Accordingly, the two leaders reaffirmed their commitment
to implement the Interim Agreement on the basis of reciprocity and,
in this context, conveyed the following undertakings to each
other:
Israeli Responsibilities
The Israeli side reaffirms its commitments to the following measures
and principles in accordance with the Interim Agreement:
Issues for Implementation
- Further Redeployment Phases
The first phase of further redeployments will be carried out
during the first week of March.
- Prisoner Release Issues
Prisoner release issues will be dealt with in accordance with the
Interim Agreement's provisions and procedures, including Annex
VII.
Issues for Negotiation
- Outstanding Interim Agreement Issues
Negotiations on the following outstanding issues from the Interim
Agreement will be immediately resumed. Negotiations on these
issues will be conducted in parallel:
- Safe Passage
- Gaza Airport
- Gaza port
- Passages
- Economic, financial, civilian and security issues
- People-to-people
- Permanent Status Negotiations
Permanent status negotiations will be resumed within two months
after implementation of the Hebron Protocol.
Palestinian Responsibilities
The Palestinian side reaffirms its commitments to the following
measures and principles in accordance with the Interim Agreement:
- Complete the process of revising the Palestinian National
Charter
- Fighting terror and preventing violence
- Strengthening security cooperation
- Preventing incitement and hostile propaganda, as specified in
Article XXII of the Interim Agreement
- Combat systematically and effectively terrorist organizations
and infrastructure
- Apprehension, prosecution and punishment of terrorists
- Requests for transfer of suspects and defendants will be acted
upon in accordance with Article II(7)(f) of Annex IV to the
Interim Agreement
- Confiscation of illegal firearms
- Size of Palestinian Police will be pursuant to the Interim
Agreement.
- Exercise of Palestinian governmental activity, and location of
Palestinian governmental offices, will be as specified in the
Interim Agreement.
The aforementioned commitments will be dealt with immediately and in
parallel.
Other Issues
Either party is free to raise other issues not specified above
related to implementation of the Interim Agreement and obligations of
both sides arising from the Interim Agreement.
Prepared by Ambassador Dennis Ross
at the request of
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
and Ra'ees Yasser Arafat |
Agreed Minute
(Article 7)
The leaders agreed that the process of reopening the Shuhada Road
will begin immediately, and will be fully completed within four
months based on the premise that the preparations agreed between the
two sides have been completed in accordance with the American
plan.
AMERICAN PLAN ON AL-SHUHADA STREET
January 7, 1997
As part of its ongoing support for the peace process between Israelis
and Palestinians, the United States intends to finance and supervise
preparations to improve and facilitate the complete reopening of
al-Shuhada Street in the City of Hebron. This work will take place in
conjunction with the implementation of the "Protocol Concerning the
Redeployment in Hebron" concluded between the two sides.
Description of Activity:
USAID intends to fund and manage the upgrading of utilities,
primarily potable water lines and sanitary sewers, in the area of
al-Shuhada Street to improve access to service. In conjunction with
these improvements to utilities, USAID will direct renovation of the
area within al-Shuhada Street to provide a safe and attractive
environment for local businesses, pedestrians and vehicular traffic.
The existing street will be completely reconstructed for a distance
of approximately 700 meters including Gross square and also along a
200 meter spur of Rahme Road and a 100 meter spur leading to the Old
City Gate. Major elements of this proposed activity as currently
envisaged include:
Reconstruction of water distribution mains, sanitary sewers and
electrical lines
Installation of a new water transmission line
Installation of a new storm drain system (if appropriate)
Paving of street with asphalt (typically, width varies from 6 to 9
meters)
Construction of concrete brick sidewalks (typically, 2 to 3 meters
in width on each side of the street) with precast concrete curbs
Construction of concrete brick median strips with precuts concrete
curbs in the street
Installation of lampposts
Erection of safety barriers at selected locations
Sandblasting of stone exteriors of streetfront shops, stone fences
and stone masonry retaining walls
Painting of shop doors
Installation of awnings along streetfront shops and residences
Installation of cast iron fencing along curbs
Installation of litter baskets
Installation of planters
Installation of new traffic signs
Painting of curbs
Planting of small trees, shrubs and flowers.
This plan also includes the widening of the al-Shuhada Street in the
vicinity of Beit Hadassah and Beit Schnerson. The details of this
aspect of the plan include the following elements: the road in front
of Beit Hadassah and Beit Schnerson will be widened to 13 meters;
there will be sidewalks on each side of the street; each sidewalk
will be separated from the street by a low stone wall with iron
railings, no more than 1.25 meters high and 30 meters long; there
will be equal roadways 3.55 meters wide in each direction; the two
roadways will be divided by a security wall no more than 0.40 meters
wide, 1.50 meters high and 30 meters long; there will be ten parking
spaces on the northeast side of the street.
USAID expects that the renovation of al-Shuhada Street will commence
in mid-January 1997 and will be completed as quickly as technical
considerations permit. All activities will be subject to applicable
laws and regulations. Continuing consultation will be held to address
technical issues that may arise during the implementation of this
plan.
(Letter to be provided by U.S. Secretary of State Christopher to Benjamin
Netanyahu at the time of signing of the Hebron Protocol)
Dear Mr. Prime Minister,
I wanted personally to congratulate you on the successful conclusion
of the "Protocol Concerning the Redeployment in Hebron." It
represents an important step forward in the Oslo peace process and
reaffirms my conviction that a just and lasting peace will be
established between Israelis and Palestinians in the very near
future.
In this connection, I can assure you that it remains the policy of
the United States to support and promote full implementation of the
Interim Agreement in all of its parts. We intend to continue our
efforts to help ensure that all outstanding commitments are carried
out by both parties in a cooperative spirit and on the basis of
reciprocity.
As part of this process, I have impressed upon Chairman Arafat the
imperative need for the Palestinian Authority to make every effort to
ensure public order and internal security within the West Bank and
Gaza Strip. I have stressed to him that effectively carrying out this
major responsibility will be a critical foundation for completing
implementation of the Interim Agreement, as well as the peace process
as a whole.
I wanted you to know that, in this context, I have advised Chairman
Arafat of U.S. views on Israel's process of redeploying its forces,
designating specified military locations and transferring additional
powers and responsibilities to the Palestinian Authority. In this
regard, I have conveyed our belief, that the first phase of further
redeployments should take place as soon as possible, and that all
three phases of the further redeployments should be completed within
twelve months from the implementation of the first phase of the
further redeployments but not later than mid-1998.
Mr. Prime Minister, you can be assured that the United States'
commitment to Israel's security is ironclad and constitutes the
fundamental cornerstone of our special relationship. The key element
in our approach to peace, including the negotiation and
implementation of agreements between Israel and its Arab partners,
has always been a recognition of Israel's security requirements.
Moreover, a hallmark of U.S. policy remains our commitment to work
cooperatively to seek to meet the security needs that Israel
identifies. Finally, I would like to reiterate our position that
Israel is entitled to secure and defensible borders, which should be
directly negotiated and agreed with its neighbors.
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