ALBAWABA - The Israeli government has approved a series of far-reaching decisions that significantly expand its authority over the occupied West Bank, moves critics warn could undermine the Palestinian Authority and pave the way for de facto annexation.
In a joint announcement, Defense Minister Israel Katz and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said the security cabinet had endorsed measures granting Israel near-absolute control over large parts of the territory.
Israeli media reported that the decisions were approved as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepares for a visit to Washington, describing the package as one of the most consequential policy shifts in the West Bank in years.
Major Legal and Administrative Changes
According to the reports, the new measures will overhaul land registration and property ownership procedures, enabling Israeli authorities to intervene directly in Areas A and B — zones previously under varying degrees of Palestinian control.
While Area C, which makes up about 60 percent of the West Bank, is already under full Israeli authority, the cabinet’s decisions further reduce Palestinian powers in Areas A and B, effectively extending Israeli enforcement across the territory.
The changes include lifting long-standing confidentiality on land records, removing restrictions on land sales, and easing regulatory requirements for property transactions. Critics say these steps could accelerate settlement expansion and allow wider Jewish ownership of land in the West Bank.
Hebron, Holy Sites in Focus
One of the most sensitive decisions concerns the city of Hebron, where planning and construction authority for Jewish settlements — including areas around the Ibrahimi Mosque — will be transferred from Palestinian municipal bodies to Israeli authorities.
Similar measures are set to apply to other highly sensitive sites, including Rachel’s Tomb near Bethlehem. Israeli officials argue demonstrated the need to protect heritage and archaeological locations.
The cabinet also authorized law enforcement agencies to take action against what Israel deems illegal Palestinian construction in Area A, including land confiscation and demolition of buildings said to threaten historical sites.
Security officials reportedly supported most of the measures but warned that unilateral implementation could spark unrest. Some elements related to Hebron may be delayed until after Ramadan.
Political Reactions
Katz said the decisions reflect a clear strategy to strengthen Israel’s hold over the West Bank and secure the future of settlements. Smotrich described the moves as a step toward “normalizing” Israeli control in the territory and reiterated his opposition to the establishment of a Palestinian state.
The anti-settlement group Peace Now sharply criticized the cabinet’s approval, warning that the measures amount to dismantling the Palestinian Authority and cancelling agreements previously signed by Israel.
The group said the government is no longer focused solely on expanding control in Area C but is now pursuing what it described as dangerous sovereignty measures in Areas A and B as well, risking widespread escalation.
