Israel to Begin Land Regulation in West Bank, Sparking Outcry

TEL AVIV, Israel — Israel will start a contentious land regulation process in a large part of the occupied West Bank, a move that Palestinians and international observers warn could lead to Israel gaining control over wide swaths of the territory for future development. The decision, announced Sunday, will resume processes for establishing land title, which had been largely frozen since 1967.

Under the new regulations, anyone with a claim to land in designated areas will be required to submit documentation proving ownership. The Israeli anti-settlement group Peace Now characterized the process as a potential “mega land grab” from Palestinians, arguing it will allow the state to assert control over significant portions of Area C – the 60% of the West Bank under full Israeli military control, as defined by the 1990s Oslo Accords.

The Palestinian Authority condemned the decision as a “grave escalation and a flagrant violation of international law,” asserting it amounts to “de facto annexation.” A statement from President Mahmoud Abbas’ office called for immediate intervention from the international community, specifically the U.N. Security Council and the United States.

The move is the latest in a series of steps taken by Israel in recent months to strengthen its control over the West Bank, including expanded construction in Jewish settlements, the legalization of previously unauthorized outposts, and bureaucratic changes aimed at bolstering its hold on the territory.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry countered that Palestinian Authority civil planning maps demonstrate the authority has been independently pursuing land registration procedures in Area C for years, in violation of agreements granting Israel civil and military control. The ministry stated Sunday’s decision was intended to increase transparency.

The decision, initially announced in May, required further development before being approved by the Cabinet this week. Israeli authorities will announce specific areas subject to registration, triggering a requirement for claimants to prove ownership. Hagit Ofran, director of Peace Now’s Settlement Watch program, warned that the process for establishing ownership is often “draconian” and lacks transparency, suggesting that any land undergoing registration in areas currently held by Palestinians is likely to revert to Israeli state control.

“Palestinians will be sent to prove ownership in a way that they will never be able to do,” Ofran said. “And this way Israel might take over 83% of the Area C, which is about half of the West Bank.” She indicated the registration process could begin as early as this year.

The proposal was championed by far-right members of Israel’s ruling coalition, including Justice Minister Yariv Levin, who stated, “The government of Israel is committed to strengthening its grip on all its parts, and this decision is an expression of that commitment.”

Jordan’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement calling on the international community to “assume its legal and moral responsibilities, and to compel Israel, the occupying power, to stop its dangerous escalation.” Qatar’s foreign ministry similarly condemned the decision as an “extension of its illegal plans to deprive the Palestinian people of their rights.”

Even as previous U.S. Administrations have criticized Israeli activity in the West Bank, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu maintains a close relationship with President Donald Trump, having met with him seven times in the past year. However, Trump has previously opposed outright annexation of West Bank territory.

Recent measures also aim to nullify the prohibition on Palestinians selling land privately to Israelis, while continuing to allow settlers to purchase homes on land controlled by the Israeli government. The expanded enforcement of environmental and archaeological regulations in Palestinian-administered areas was also approved last week.

More than 700,000 Israelis reside in settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, territories captured from Jordan in 1967 and claimed by Palestinians for a future state. The international community widely considers Israeli settlement construction in these areas illegal and an impediment to peace.

An estimated 300,000 Palestinians live in Area C of the West Bank, with many more relying on its agricultural and grazing lands, including plots supported by land deeds and tax records dating back decades.