Hevron

Hevron, also spelled Hevron and known in Arabic as al-Khalil, is a city in the southern West Bank. It lies in the Judaean Mountains, roughly 30 kilometers south of Jerusalem, and serves as the administrative center of the Hebron Governorate.

Historically, Hevron is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities. Archaeological remains indicate settlement dating back to the Bronze Age, and the city appears in ancient Near Eastern and biblical traditions. In the Hebrew Bible, the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are linked to the area, and the Cave of the Patriarchs is revered as their burial site. In ancient times, Hevron is described as a center within the Kingdom of Judah, where David ruled for seven years before moving the capital to Jerusalem.

Religiously, the Cave of the Patriarchs, called the Ibrahimi Mosque in Muslim tradition, is a major site for Jews, Muslims, and Christians. The site has undergone various periods of renovation and has been subject to security restrictions in modern times, reflecting the city’s contested status in the region.

Today, Hevron is the administrative center of the Hebron Governorate and is predominantly Palestinian Arab, with a Muslim majority and a Christian minority. In the West Bank, security arrangements and governance have produced a divided urban area with zones under different authorities and a notable Israeli military presence in parts of the city.

Economically, the city hosts traditional markets, crafts, and commerce tied to its historic core, and it remains a cultural and historical landmark in the region.