International Outrage Escalates Over West Bank Plans

International Outrage Mounts as Israel Tightens Grip on West Bank

The United Nations Secretary-General has voiced grave concerns over new Israeli measures aimed at strengthening control over the occupied West Bank. The move, announced by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Defence Minister Israel Katz, includes plans to allow Jewish Israelis to purchase land in the West Bank directly and extend greater Israeli oversight where the Palestinian Authority currently exercises power.

The UN chief’s spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, warned that these measures “are eroding the prospects for a two-state solution.” The changes are part of a package announced on Sunday by Smotrich and Katz after being approved by Israel’s security cabinet. There is no indication when these new rules will take effect; they do not require further approval.

In reaction to the move, Saudi Arabia, along with seven other Muslim-majority countries, issued a strong condemnation. The United States-based news agency AFP reported that these nations saw the changes as a “destabilising” development and called them attempts at “entrenching settlement activity.” This stance echoed sentiments expressed by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres who highlighted the International Court of Justice’s finding that Israel’s occupation is illegal.

The West Bank, occupied since 1967, remains a central issue in Middle Eastern geopolitics. Many on the religious right view it as Israeli land, while others see its potential role in any future Palestinian state. Smotrich explicitly stated during his announcement: “Our aim is to deepen our roots in all regions of the Land of Israel and bury the idea of a Palestinian state.”

The reforms also include plans to transfer authority over building permits for settlements in Hebron from the Palestinian Authority to Israel, as well as reinforcing Israeli control over two significant religious sites in southern West Bank: Rachel’s Tomb near Bethlehem and the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron.

While diplomatic criticism has been fierce, the announcement has also drawn condemnation from Palestinians. The Palestinian presidency in Ramallah described these measures as part of a “deepening attempt to annex the occupied West Bank.” This move is seen by critics like Ali Jarbawi, a former minister and political scientist, as an effort to “drive Palestinians into small enclaves,” effectively pushing them out of major cities.

Similarly, Yonatan Mizrachi of Peace Now—a watchdog group that opposes Israeli settlement expansion—warned that these steps could further weaken the Palestinian Authority. The authority was established under Oslo Accords as a temporary governing body pending the creation of a full-fledged Palestinian state. By advancing annexation and weakening this interim arrangement, Israel risks accelerating efforts to illegally annex West Bank territories.

These new policies come amid Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s upcoming visit to the United States. During his trip, Netanyahu is expected to meet with President Donald Trump who has previously expressed opposition to Israeli annexation of Palestinian land. Washington has not yet formally commented on these changes.

The total population residing in settlements and outposts across the West Bank currently numbers over 500,000 Israelis. Around three million Palestinians live within this territory. Another 200,000 Israelis reside in the disputed Israeli-annexed area of east Jerusalem, where the UN considers part of Palestinian territories.

As Netanyahu prepares to engage with US officials during his visit, international scrutiny and condemnation will likely intensify, as these policies could jeopardize the prospects for a two-state solution. The broader geopolitical landscape in the region continues to be shaped by ongoing negotiations and competing interests.