Israel’s security cabinet approved plans on Sunday that allow Jewish Israelis to purchase West Bank land directly and extend Israeli control over areas under Palestinian Authority jurisdiction. The measures do not require further approval, though their implementation date remains unclear.
US and international response
A White House official reiterated Donald Trump’s opposition to Israel annexing the West Bank, emphasising that “a stable West Bank keeps Israel secure and aligns with this administration’s goal to achieve peace in the region.”
The UK condemned the decision, urging Israel to reverse it. “Any unilateral attempt to alter the geographic or demographic make-up of Palestine is wholly unacceptable and inconsistent with international law,” the UK statement said.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed grave concern, warning that the changes “erode the prospects for the two-state solution.” He described the actions as “destabilising” and cited an international court ruling that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory is illegal.
Saudi Arabia, alongside the UAE, Jordan, Qatar, Indonesia, Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey, issued a joint statement condemning the “illegal Israeli decisions and measures aimed at imposing unlawful Israeli sovereignty.”
Cabinet decisions and land reforms
The security cabinet repealed a pre-1967 Jordanian law, making land registries public rather than confidential, and removed the requirement for permits from civil administration offices. These reforms aim to make it easier for Jews to purchase land in the West Bank.
The measures also transfer authority over settlement building permits in Hebron, the West Bank’s largest city, from the Palestinian Authority to Israel. In addition, Israel will increase control over two major religious sites: Rachel’s Tomb near Bethlehem and the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron.
Palestinian reaction
The Palestinian presidency in Ramallah condemned the moves, stating that they aim to “deepen attempts to annex the occupied West Bank.”
Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said the changes intend to “deepen our roots in all regions of the Land of Israel and bury the idea of a Palestinian state.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet Donald Trump in the US on Wednesday.
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