Tribal representatives in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron have rejected a reported proposal to establish a so-called “tribal emirate” in exchange for recognizing Israel as a Jewish state, Anadolu Agency reported on 7 July.

The proposal, first revealed by the Wall Street Journal, alleged that Hebron tribal leaders sent a letter to Israeli Economy Minister Nir Barkat, offering formal recognition of Israel in return for being appointed as representatives of Arab residents in Hebron and setting a timetable to join the US-led Abraham Accords.

In a press conference on Sunday, Hebron tribal figure Nafez al-Jaabari denounced the offer and declared the community’s rejection of the initiative.