International Criticism Mounts as Israel Advances West Bank Land Policies

A growing number of nations are voicing concerns over recent Israeli policies in the West Bank, which critics say are designed to expand Israeli control over Palestinian territory. The developments follow a February 16, 2026, joint statement issued by a broad coalition of countries and regional organizations, and come as India has added its name to the list of countries criticizing Israel’s unilateral measures.

Joint Statement Condemns Israeli Actions

On February 17, 2026, a joint statement was released at a “stakeout” at the United Nations, read by Palestinian Ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour, and co-signed by dozens of countries. The statement strongly condemned unilateral Israeli decisions and measures aimed at expanding Israel’s presence in the West Bank.

The statement explicitly opposed any form of annexation and rejected measures “aimed at altering the demographic composition, character and status of the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem.” It highlighted concerns that these measures violate international law, undermine peace efforts, and jeopardize the possibility of a two-state solution.

Expanding Israeli Control in the West Bank

The criticism centers on recent actions by the Israeli Knesset to tighten control over land in the Palestinian West Bank’s “A” and “B” Areas, which have been administered by the Palestinian Authority since the Oslo Accords (1993-1995). These actions include easing restrictions on land acquisition by outsiders and increased scrutiny of land documentation, which rights groups fear will lead to further dispossession of Palestinians and de facto annexation.

Israeli rights groups, such as Bimkom, argue that the land registration process, reinstated after nearly six decades, “systematises the dispossession of Palestinian land” and facilitates Israeli settlement expansion.

India’s Position and Regional Reactions

India’s initial absence from the joint statement drew criticism from some diplomats, with concerns raised about a potential shift in its traditional stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict. Even though, India subsequently added its name to the list of signatories.

The statement was endorsed by a diverse group of nations, including members of the League of Arab States, the European Union, BRICS countries (Russia, China, Brazil, and South Africa), India’s Quad partners (Australia and Japan), and neighboring countries like Bangladesh, the Maldives, Mauritius, and Pakistan.

Upcoming Meetings and Potential Visits

The joint statement was issued ahead of a UN meeting on the issue and a U.S.-led Board of Peace meeting in Washington. Discussions are also underway regarding a potential visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Israel, his first since July 2017, and a possible subsequent trip to Palestine, mirroring a visit made in February 2018.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu postponed a visit to India last November, reportedly due to security concerns.

Allegations and Denials

The timing of Modi’s potential visit also comes after the release of the “Epstein files” in the U.S., which contained allegations made by Jeffrey Epstein regarding Modi’s past interactions with U.S. President Donald Trump. The Indian External Affairs Ministry has strongly denied these allegations.