Israel Deepens Control Over West Bank, Sparking International Condemnation

Israel’s government has approved measures to strengthen control over the occupied West Bank and weaken the Palestinian Authority (PA), drawing widespread international criticism and raising concerns about the potential for de facto annexation. The moves, approved on Sunday, include a process to register land in the West Bank as “state property” and measures to ease land acquisition by Jewish settlers.

Land Registration and Claims of Transparency

The Israeli government asserts that the land registration process will “enable transparent and thorough clarification of rights to resolve legal disputes” and address what it describes as unlawful land registration within areas controlled by the Palestinian Authority [1]. However, critics argue this is a significant step towards annexation of Palestinian territory.

International Condemnation

The land registration measure has been condemned by several Arab nations, including Egypt, Qatar, and Jordan, as a violation of international law. Egypt called the move a “dangerous escalation aimed at consolidating Israeli control” [1]. Qatar’s foreign ministry stated the decision would “deprive the Palestinian people of their rights,” and Jordan warned it would “undermine efforts to restore calm and threaten to exacerbate the conflict” [1].

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on Israel to reverse the policy, deeming it “destabilizing” and “unlawful” [1]. The European Union has also urged Israel to reconsider the move, reiterating that annexation is illegal under international law [1].

Palestinian Authority and Peace Now Respond

The Palestinian Authority has appealed for international intervention to prevent what it calls the “de facto beginning of the annexation process” and the undermining of the foundations of a future Palestinian state [1]. Israeli anti-settlement watchdog Peace Now has described the measure as a “mega land grab,” anticipating that Palestinians will lose claims to land under the new registration process [1].

Broader Context: Expanding Israeli Control

These latest initiatives build upon recent measures aimed at tightening Israeli control over the West Bank, including allowing Jewish Israelis to directly purchase West Bank land and granting Israeli authorities administrative control over certain religious sites in areas administered by the Palestinian Authority [3]. Far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated these decisions would “continue to bury the idea of a Palestinian state” [3].

The moves are occurring amidst increasing attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank [1].

The Oslo Accords and Current Administration

The Palestinian Authority, established as a result of the 1993-1995 Oslo Accords, exercises partial civil control over Palestinian enclaves in the Israeli-occupied West Bank [2]. However, its authority is limited, and Israel maintains security and administrative control over a significant portion of the territory, particularly Area C, which comprises approximately 60% of the West Bank [1].

Lebanon and Hezbollah Disarmament

Separately, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier urged Lebanon to continue disarming Hezbollah, arguing it would facilitate the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory. Israel has continued strikes and maintained a military presence in southern Lebanon despite a November 2024 truce [1]. Lebanon’s army has begun a phased disarmament plan, but Israel has deemed the progress insufficient [1].