Israel Deepens Control Over West Bank Through Land Registration and Reduced Palestinian Operate Permits

Recent decisions by Israel’s security cabinet are escalating tensions in the occupied West Bank, prompting condemnation from Palestinian authorities, Arab nations, and international observers. These measures, approved in February 2026, aim to strengthen Israeli control over the territory through a novel land registration process and restrictions on Palestinian access to work within Israel.

Land Registration as “State Property”

The Israeli government has approved a proposal to register large areas of the occupied West Bank as “state property” for the first time since 1967 Al Jazeera. This move, spearheaded by far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, and Defence Minister Israel Katz, is intended to facilitate the expansion of Israeli settlements. Smotrich stated the decision is “continuing the settlement revolution to control all our lands” Al Jazeera.

Most Palestinian land remains unregistered due to a complicated process halted by Israel in 1967. Registering land establishes permanent ownership, and international law prohibits an occupying power from confiscating or settling land in occupied territories Al Jazeera. The Palestinian Presidency has denounced the decision as a “serious escalation” that undermines existing agreements and UN Security Council resolutions Al Jazeera. Hamas has condemned the move as an attempt “to steal and Judaise lands” Al Jazeera.

Restrictions on Palestinian Work Permits

Alongside the land registration initiative, Israel has significantly reduced the number of work permits issued to Palestinians from the West Bank, leading to increased economic hardship AP News. This has deepened the existing economic crisis in the region, leaving many Palestinian families struggling to afford basic necessities AP News. Palestinians have lost their primary source of income as a result of revoked permits AP News.

International Condemnation

The new Israeli measures have drawn widespread condemnation. Palestinians, Arab countries, Israeli anti-occupation groups, and the UK have all criticized the steps, characterizing them as a form of de facto annexation BBC News. Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has openly stated the intention to “kill the idea of a Palestinian state” BBC News.

Broader Context of Israeli Control

These recent actions are part of a broader pattern of measures approved by Israel’s security cabinet to deepen Israeli control over the West Bank and weaken the Palestinian Authority AP News. The moves include changes to property law, planning regulations, licensing procedures, and enforcement mechanisms BBC News.

Fears of Expansion

There are growing fears over Israeli expansion into the West Bank, with concerns that these measures will further complicate the prospects for a two-state solution Vatican News. A Palestinian official has described the latest expansion of control as a “brutal blow to peace efforts” Vatican News.