Rights group condemns Israeli moves to take over Hebron planning powers Israeli rights group Peace Now has criticised the government's decision to assume planning and construction powers from the Palestinian Municipality of Hebron in areas linked to Israeli settlements and religious sites in the city. In a statement, the group said the move was "dangerous and irresponsible" and accused finance minister Bezalel Smotrich of attempting to "win a few far-right votes" from National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. "After promising victory [in the war on Iran] and failing on every front, Smotrich the arsonist is trying to set the West Bank ablaze," the organisation said.