Israel’s government has approved a plan to register large areas of the occupied West Bank as state land for the first time since 1967, drawing accusations of de facto annexation from Palestinians and rights groups. The move targets Area C, where Israel holds full control over about 60% of the territory.
Policy Details
The cabinet decision lifts a military order freezing land registration processes post-1967 occupation, allocating NIS 244 million ($79 million) initially for 2026-2030 and creating 35 positions to handle it. Landowners must prove ownership with documents; failure defaults it to state property, potentially enabling settlements. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called it part of a “settlement revolution” to control “all our lands,” echoed by Justice Minister Yariv Levin.
Reactions and Criticism
Palestinians labeled it “legally void” and a breach of international law, warning of displacement. Peace Now warned it could seize 83% of Area C (half the West Bank), as proving ownership is “nearly impossible” for many Palestinians. UN chief Antonio Guterres and the EU condemned it as illegal; it defies U.S. President Donald Trump’s opposition to annexation.
Regional Impact
Area C houses 180,000-300,000 Palestinians and over 325,000 settlers; the process could take 30 years but start this year. Critics see it alongside recent land declarations, like 12,000 dunams in the Jordan Valley, as steps toward permanent control amid Gaza tensions.
