Israel arrests Hebron mayor as it 'considers independent tribal emirate'

Israeli forces seized the Palestinian mayor of Hebron, Tayseer Abu Sneineh, during a raid on his home in the southern occupied West Bank on Tuesday.

According to a statement from the Hebron Municipal Council, Israeli troops vandalised the property, causing extensive damage.

"This brutal attack not only targets the mayor himself, but also the will of the people of Hebron and its elected institutions,” the council said.

“It constitutes a blatant assault on the democratic process and on our people's right to manage their affairs and serve their city with freedom and dignity.”

Abu Sneineh, a veteran figure in the Fatah movement, became mayor of Hebron in 2017 after winning local elections.

Read more: Israel arrests Hebron mayor as it 'considers independent tribal emirate'