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Hebron Protocol (1997)

A protocol to the 1995 Israeli-Palestinian Interim Agreement, concluded between Israel and the PLO on 17 January 1997. Signatories were retired Israeli general Dan Shomron, representing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and top PLO negotiator Saeb Erekat, representing PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat. In accordance with the Interim Agreement, the protocol concerned the redeployment of Israeli forces in Hebron, the only major West Bank city not to have been previously transferred to full Palestinian control (Area C). Hebron was divided into Area H-1 (about 80 percent of the city), to be transferred to Palestinian control, and Area H-2, to remain under Israeli control. A day before its signing, the protocol was approved in the Knesset by a vote of 87 For, 17 Against; the previous day, it was approved by the Palestinian Authority and the Executive Committee of the PLO.