Israel Approves Measures Tightening Control Over West Bank

In Sunday’s cabinet meeting, Israel approved new measures to intensify its control over the West Bank and facilitate settlement expansion—a move Palestinians have termed a “de facto annexation.”

The West Bank, sought by Palestinians for an independent state, remains under Israeli military governance in most parts. Limited self-rule exists in some areas governed by the Western-backed Palestinian Authority.

Facing an election later this year, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s hardline coalition, including many who advocate for Israel to annex the region, approved additional measures in the West Bank that garnered international criticism.

Radical finance minister Bezalel Smotrich praised the move, stating, “We are continuing the revolution of settlement and strengthening our hold across all parts of our land.” Defense Minister Israel Katz similarly defended the measure as a vital security step. However, the cabinet dismissed these assertions in a statement, describing it as an “appropriate response to illegal land registration processes promoted by the Palestinian Authority.”

Israeli officials maintained that the move would enhance transparency and settle disputes over West Bank lands. Yet, the Palestinian presidency vehemently rejected this, stating the measures represent a “de facto annexation of occupied Palestinian territory” aimed at establishing new plans for maintaining occupation through settlement activity.

The United Nations’ highest court ruled in 2024 that Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories and settlements are illegal and should be ended promptly. Nonetheless, despite Trump’s stance against such moves, the US regime has not sought to curb Israel’s accelerating illegal settlement construction.

Peace Now warned these land registration measures could dispossess up to half of Palestinians from their homes within the West Bank. Given ongoing disputes with international bodies over Israeli actions in the region, questions remain about what level of compliance with UN rulings is expected.