Israel Launches Controversial Land Regulation in Occupied West Bank
In a move that has ignited international condemnation, Israel has approved a contentious land regulation process for a large portion of the occupied West Bank. This decision, finalized in a Cabinet meeting this week, could result in Israel gaining control over extensive swaths of the territory for future development, according to a government announcement on Sunday.
The policy paves the way for the resumption of "settlement of land title" procedures, which had been frozen in the West Bank since the Mideast War in 1967. Under this process, when Israel initiates land registration in a designated area, individuals with claims to the land must submit documentation to prove ownership.
Critics Decry 'Mega Land Grab' from Palestinians
The Israeli anti-settlement organization Peace Now has warned that this initiative likely constitutes a "mega land grab" from Palestinians. Hagit Ofran, director of Peace Now's Settlement Watch program, stated, "This move is very dramatic and allows the state to gain control of almost all of Area C." Area C refers to the 60% of the West Bank under full Israeli military control, as per agreements reached with Palestinians in the 1990s.
Ofran explained that the ownership verification process can be "draconian" and lacks transparency, meaning land currently owned by Palestinians is likely to revert to Israeli state control. "Palestinians will be sent to prove ownership in a way that they will never be able to do," she told The Associated Press. "And this way Israel might take over 83% of Area C, which is about half of the West Bank." The registration could commence as early as this year.
International Outcry and Legal Challenges
The Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas's office issued a statement condemning the decision as "a grave escalation and a flagrant violation of international law," equating it to "de facto annexation." It urged the international community, particularly the U.N. Security Council and the United States, to intervene immediately.
Jordan's Foreign Ministry echoed these concerns, calling on the global community to "assume its legal and moral responsibilities, and to compel Israel, the occupying power, to stop its dangerous escalation." Similarly, Qatar's foreign ministry labeled Israel's decision "an extension of its illegal plans to deprive the Palestinian people of their rights."
Background and Recent Israeli Actions
This decision represents the latest step in Israel's efforts to deepen its control over the West Bank. In recent months, Israel has significantly expanded construction in Jewish settlements, legalized outposts, and implemented bureaucratic changes to strengthen its hold while weakening the Palestinian Authority.
Israel's Foreign Ministry claimed, without providing evidence, that the Palestinian Authority was "advancing illegal land registration procedures in Area C," asserting that Sunday's decision aimed to enhance transparency. The proposal was championed by far-right members of Israel's ruling coalition, including Justice Minister Yariv Levin, who stated, "The government of Israel is committed to strengthening its grip on all its parts, and this decision is an expression of that commitment."
Regional Dynamics and U.S. Relations
Previous U.S. administrations have strongly criticized Israeli expansion in the West Bank, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu maintains a close relationship with President Donald Trump. The two leaders met last week in Washington, marking their seventh meeting in the past year. However, Ofran noted that Trump has opposed annexation efforts.
Currently, Palestinians are prohibited from selling land privately to Israelis, though recent measures seek to nullify this restriction. Settlers can purchase homes on government-controlled land, and last week's decision also aimed to expand Israeli enforcement in the West Bank, covering environmental and archaeological matters in Palestinian-administered areas.
Demographic and Historical Context
More than 700,000 Israelis reside in the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem, territories captured by Israel from Jordan in 1967 and sought by Palestinians for a future state. The international community widely views Israeli settlement construction in these areas as illegal and a barrier to peace.
An estimated over 300,000 Palestinians live in Area C of the West Bank, with many more in surrounding communities reliant on its agricultural and grazing lands. Families often retain land deeds or tax records dating back decades, highlighting the potential impact of the new regulation on their livelihoods.
