Abraham and Hebron’s lesson for Israel: A Jewish state cannot deny others’ rights - opinion

An opinion piece by Jill Jacobs argues that Israel's treatment of Palestinians in Hebron contradicts Abraham's example of respect and negotiation. It reports that the IDF displaced over 3,000 residents and demolished homes in retaliation for the killing of two soldiers, confiscating only four weapons. The piece links this to the 2026 election results and criticizes Gadi Eisenkot for conditions on Arab coalition partners.

An opinion piece by Jill Jacobs, CEO of T'ruah, argues that Israel's current policies in Hebron contradict the biblical example of Abraham. The article notes that tens of thousands of Israelis will visit Hebron for Parshat Chayei Sarah, while Palestinian residents hide due to expected violence and IDF restrictions. It reports that over the past week and a half, the IDF displaced more than 3,000 residents, including 1,800 children, and demolished homes in retaliation for the killing of two Israeli soldiers, confiscating only four weapons. The piece contrasts Abraham's respectful negotiations with the local residents to the current approach of settlers. It links this to the 2026 election results, where opposition parties won 67 seats, and criticizes Gadi Eisenkot for imposing conditions on potential Arab coalition partners, such as recognizing Hamas as a terrorist organization, despite their condemnations of the October 7 attacks. The article calls for a government that includes Palestinian citizens as equal partners.